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#working out regularly eating balanced meals getting enough sleep every night taking care of skin. overlall physical wellbeing
matchandelure · 1 year
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fhjmsdfhjglks feeling kind of frustrated at a lot of things
#sometiems i feel that maybe i set goals that are too ambitious#good grades in classes. internship prep. learning how to be independant and do adult stuff in general#working out regularly eating balanced meals getting enough sleep every night taking care of skin. overlall physical wellbeing#while also trying to make time for hobbies especially art...#ive been sucked into a rather strong loop of comparison.. bc i recentl ylooked through my old art when i went back home#and im so sad at how little ive improved. and i know that everyone learns and imrpoves at different rates#and i have more important things to focus on such as completeing this degree completely unrelated to art#but i dont want to go through the nexxt five years just.not improving at all at something i love so much :((#but everyday this past almost two terms of school. i never finish the work i need to before i go to sleep#everytime i do finish everything its time to repeat the whole cycle all over again#and whne i do get time to draw im so tired that all i can amnage are some scribbles..which means my technical skills arent improving atall#bc i dont have the energy to study even ifi its something i love#which iguess ispart terrible self discipline which i need to work on but sometimes i just wnat to shut my brain off and doodle mindlessly#bc i dislike my program :((( eww math ewwwww compsci#and i want a distraction from it whenever possible because if i have to calculate the eigenspace corresponding to an eigenvalue of a matrix#one more time i am going to cry#im tired gnight#willows rambling branch
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mentalhealthmantra · 7 months
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5 Self-Care Tips Every Psychiatrist Wants You to Know
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As the best psychiatrist in Bhopal, I have seen many patients who struggle with self-care. Self-care is an important part of mental health and can help to reduce stress and improve moods and overall well-being. Here are 5 self-care tips that every psychiatrist wants you to know:
1) Make Time for Yourself: Taking time out of your day for yourself is essential in order to recharge and relax after a long day or week at work or school. This could be something as simple as reading a book, taking a walk outside, or even just taking some deep breaths while closing your eyes for 10 minutes each day; whatever works best for you!
2) Exercise Regularly: Exercise has been shown to have numerous benefits when it comes to our physical health but also our mental well-being! It’s important not only the get moving but also to find activities that we enjoy doing so it doesn’t feel like such an arduous task each time we exercise - this way we will look forward rather than dreading the activity! 
3) Eat healthily & Hydrate Often: Eating nutritious foods helps us maintain energy throughout the day which can help us stay productive and focused on tasks at hand whilst avoiding fatigue from unhealthy snacks between meals. Drinking plenty of water ensures adequate hydration which helps keep headaches away, keeps skin looking healthy, and aids digestion among other things!
4) Get Enough Sleep: Getting enough quality sleep plays an integral role in keeping our minds alert during waking hours. Poor sleep patterns often lead people to feel tired throughout their days making them more prone to negative thoughts. A good night's rest allows one's body & mind to rejuvenate hence leading to better functioning the next morning!
Also Read: Mental Doctor in Bhopal
5) Take Breaks From Technology: We live in a technology-infused world where it is hard sometimes not to be glued onto gadgets such as cell phones/laptops etc 24x7 without giving ourselves any break whatsoever; however, it's vital to take breaks from these digital devices so one can focus on real life around them instead being distracted by what happens online!                                                                                       
All these tips are extremely helpful when trying to practice proper self-care - however, if they don't seem enough then seeking professional advice would certainly benefit anyone struggling with maintaining balance mentally & physically – so do reach out whenever needed!
About the Author:
Dr. Vaibhav Dubey: Your Trusted Choice for the Best Psychiatrist in Bhopal. With a commitment to mental well-being, Dr. Dubey combines extensive experience and compassionate care. As a leading psychiatrist, he specializes in a wide range of mental health issues, offering personalized treatment plans that prioritize your emotional and psychological health. His expertise and dedication make him the go-to choice in Bhopal for that seeking top-tier psychiatric care. Regain control over your life and mental health with Dr. Vaibhav Dubey.
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celticcrossanon · 3 years
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Wow CC, how do you survive being in 35-40+ degree weather without aircon, nonetheless?! I already complained a lot if the degree goes over 30 haha…
Hi lacrimaomnis,
I can understand complaining if the weather goes over any temperature that you consider hot, and that will vary depending on your current climate and how adapted you are to that climate. Being hot is no fun at all.
My survival tips:
1. We have thermal curtains on every window. They stay closed during the day. The light can still come in - enough to see and work by - and the curtains help keep the heat out. If you have blinds, they work the same way. Keep them closed if at all possible to keep the heat out.
2. Keep your windows closed if at all possible during the day. Open windows let in more heat than closed windows. Put blinds or curtains on the windows inside the house, and/or outside blinds/awnings on your windows - you want to keep the sun off those windows and out of the house. Of course, if you have a strong breeze, you can open the windows to catch the breeze, but we rarely have enough breeze to make this worth the extra heat.
3. If you have rooms that face West, and catch the afternoon sun, if they are not living areas then shut the doors between those rooms and the rest of the house. This traps any heat in those rooms and prevents it spreading to the rest of the house. My bathrooms face West. They are sweatboxes in summer with the doors shut, but the rest of the house stays cool. I realise that this is only possible if the rooms are not in use all the time.
4. The temperature drops here at night, down to 25-20 degrees Celsius. I open the house at night, when it is cool, and keep the windows open for as long as I can. This lets the hot air in the house out and the cooler outside air in. Once the house has cooled down (this takes a few hours), I shut the windows again to keep the cooler air in and the hot air out.
5. During the day, the house will start off cool (due to my night time efforts) and heat up over the day. Once it is uncomfortably warm, I put the pedestal fan on. If you have ceiling fans, put them on. The fans won't cool the air, but having the air moving over your skin will help keep you cool, especially if you are sweating.
6. Sleep with a fan on. It helps so much.
7. If you have the room, hang your laundry up in your living areas. As the laundry dries, the water evaporating from the clothes will suck heat from the air around it, and the overall room temperature will drop. I leave the laundry up overnight and I can feel the difference when I walk into the living room the next day. Watch for mould on the ceiling if you do this.
8. Make a coolgardie cooler. Put a mat on the floor, place two chairs either side of the mat, drape a sheet over them like a tent (you can do this with a broomstick over a cot if you have to), wet the sheet (you want it very damp but not dripping), and let the sheet dry. The evaporation will cool the area under the sheet by several degrees. Lie on the mat and enjoy the coolness.
If you have a fan, turn it on to the sheet or have it oscillate around the room, and that will make it colder.
You have to keep rewetting the sheet as it dries, but this definitely works. It is how I get babies to sleep and how I saved my flatmate from heat exhaustion. If you have spare baking pans, fill them with water and put them on the floor with the ends of the sheets in the pans. The sheets will suck up water from the pan and stay wet. Otherwise, a spray bottle works well to keep the sheet damp (I rewet it using a spray bottle once every hour or so).
9. Eat little and often. Eating will pull the blood from your limbs and concentrate it on your digestion, so you feel cooler. Make sure you eat enough salt! I eat every 2-3 hours, so 6 small meals instead of three large ones, and I prefer spiced food from hot climates, as the spices tempt my appetite. Whatever you prefer to eat, little and often is better than 3 big meals. You may have to increase your salt intake to balance the extra sweat - potato chips/crisps are good for that.
10. Make sure you drink enough. Water, flavoured water, milkshakes, cold tea, iced coffee - I do not care what it is, just get that liquid into you. I drink one cup of liquid every hour, more if I am thirsty. Sweet drinks are good for rehydrating you. I know sugar and salt are the current bad guys of diet, but my experience is that both of them are necessary to survive hot days, in higher amounts than normal. I drink water that has been flavoured with those cold water tea bags (fruit infusions) or with cordial, sweet cold tea, and flavoured cold milk drinks. You can have hot drinks if you can cope with the extra heat in your body. If you can drink plain water, do so - I can't (more than one or two cups and I throw up). For me, milk and yoghurt drinks (lassi) are the best. YMMV.
11. Ice cream, granitas, popsicles, paddle pops, frozen yoghurt - frozen liquid of any sort can help cool you down. Some people like iced water from the fridge, or adding ice to their drinks. Tap water usually works for me, unless the sun has been on the pipes and heated the water, but if you need to put jugs of water in the fridge to drink, do so. If you need to make ice cubes in the freezer, do so (or buy ice and keep it in the freezer). We have a jug of flavoured water on the bench for me and one in the fridge for my flatmate, plus a container of ice cubes in the freezer for my flatmate (she feels the heat more than I do).
11. Frozen washers/flannels and/or cold gel packs, or an equivalent. Put them on your head, neck, elbows, wrists/hands, crotch, back of knees, ankles/feet. They help. Keep two sets on hand and swap them over as one becomes warm. Sticking your feet in a bucket of cold water will also cool you down quickly.
12. Dress for the weather. Loose, comfortable, and cotton clothing (or linen). No synthetic fibres (they just make you hotter). Loose is cooler than form-fitting. Go sleeveless indoors, but cover your shoulders if you have to go out, and your cleavage, and your upper legs (sunburn hurts - a lot).
13. Use sunscreen if you go outside. Use more than you think you will need. Reapply regularly. Cover your body, shoulders and upper legs with clothes (the minimum). Wear sunglasses. Wear a broad brimmed hat. Seek shade where-ever possible. Sunburn is no joke. It is painful and will make you hotter. Carry water with you and sip regularly. Put sunscreen on your feet if you are wearing sandals/thongs/flipflops. Sunburnt feet HURT. If possible, only go outside when the sun is low in the sky (i.e. not the middle of the day).
14. If you are able to, and if it makes you cooler, go naked at home. Wear the bare minimum of clothing that you can, and have something handy to slip on if you need to answer the door. I've spent hot days around the house in a swimsuit in the past. I'm also big on not wearing underwear in the heat unless it is necessary/makes you cooler/makes you more comfortable. I wear a calf length sleeveless floaty cotton dress around the house. Go for whatever makes you comfortable and won't upset the people you are living with. Comfort and coolness win over fashion (and social conditioning if possible and preferred).
15. Move slowly. Be lazy. It is better to take longer to do things than to get overheated and have to cool yourself down. Take breaks if necessary to cool yourself down/stop yourself from getting hot.
16. Know the signs of heat exhaustion and take steps before it becomes heat stroke. Do a pinch test for dehydration and drink if you have to. Ask your doctor how your medications will affect you in the heat and what you can do to combat that (if anything).
17. Heat rises. If you have a double storey (or more) house, stay in the lowest level. It will be cooler.
That is all I can think of right now. I hope this helps.
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ficsnroses · 4 years
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Nightlight - John Wick x Reader
Fluffy John is the best John.
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Word Count : 2746
Warnings : Major Fluff
Summary : John asks Y/N, his girlfriend, to spend the night at his house, however, is pleasantly surprised when she tells him she cannot sleep in complete darkness.
A/N : I suck at summaries. Also, if *anyone* wants me to write the love making between John and reader in this fic, I totally will in another one shot, I just didn’t want this to get too long. I imagined this as a sort of sequel to this fic, but you don't have to ❤️ Enjoy!
As John lays out an array of fresh, vibrantly coloured ingredients on the granite kitchen island, Dog sits at his feet, chewing his favourite, brand new chew toy Y/N had gifted him. The sounds of gnawing teeth, his little whines and playful squeaks are audible every now and then. Dog and Y/N had gotten pretty close lately, and that was just the way John wanted it. His two favourite companions, loving each other.
John had fallen in love with Y/N in what felt like the pace of a heartbeat; before he knew it, he was long gone, with her becoming the most important part of his life. The purest, most enjoyable, innocent, most rewarding part of his life. Of course, he was ecstatic to know she felt the same.
Things had been going amazing between them. Each day felt so special, because that’s what love does. It makes each day feel as if a warm, sunny, bright day after a long, unfriendly winter. It was as if constantly having the words on their tongues, for how they felt, but never being able to let them out, because they just weren’t strong enough. Y/N had made John realize how much more he could be, how much more he was worth. She gave him a taste of the good life, the life he dreamt of as a lonely orphan, the life he promised he’d have one day with a family of his own. A family he created, with the woman of his dreams. Undoubtedly, his reveries saw no one else besides Y/N that could possibly fill this void. She truly was the one he’d been longing for. And boy, was she worth the wait.
Tonight, Y/N was coming over for a stay in dinner date. They had been seeing each other regularly, their encounters being the highlights of each of their days. There was something so unique about being with each other that they loved, appreciated. Even when they weren’t physically there, they felt as if their hearts were together. John was normally distant from others, quiet, reserved. It felt nice to be himself, with someone.
Everything felt picture perfect. In fact, all that was left now, was the anticipation of taking their relationship further. John had only dreamt of doing what lovers do with her till now, but day by day, the further their relationship progressed, it seemed as if it was becoming more real. The moment only coming closer. Whenever it was, whenever it would happen, he knew that would be it. That would be the moment he’d fall completely for her, never able to turn back.
~
“Hi!” Y/N beams, as John opens the door for her, the evening sun setting perfectly behind her, the golden hue striking a wavelength of vivacity in her luscious locks.
“Hi, darling.” John smiles, wrapping an arm around her waist, pulling her in for a soft, tender kiss. She smells of citrus, mint, and flowers, along with something so uniquely known to him. So matchlessly Y/N.
“I missed you,” she smiles against his lips, arms attached around his neck. “What did you do today?” she asks, letting herself in.
“Not much, took Dog to the park, went shopping for groceries, did some lawn work.” He closes the door behind him. “Counted the hours down till I’d get to see you.” He almost sings, holding his arm out for her to use for balance, as she shimmies off her shoes, placing them neatly in the corner beside his.
“Aww.” She grins, placing a kiss to his cheek. She turns to walk towards his kitchen. “And where is my handsome baby boy?” she coos, eyes searching for Dog. He pads away, jogging to her, as she crouches down to give him an abundance of pets. “There he is!” she chuckles, placing kisses on his matted grey head. John’s heart could have burst right then and there, watching them interact.
John takes his place, back at the kitchen counter, getting dinner together. He watches Y/N as she walks up beside him, snaking her arm around one of his, pressing a kiss to his bicep. “Lemme help? I’ll chop.” She says, grabbing a knife, slicing at a stalk of carrots. John smiles and takes place by the stove, stirring and sautéing.
“Music?” John proposes, leaning against the counter.
“Oo yes, Floyd?” she suggests, raising her eyebrows, throwing her hair into a messy bun.
“Hmm, how bout Zeppelin?” he vetoes, tapping his chin.
She frowns, before her eyes light up. “Beatles?” she recommends.
“Beatles it is.” He throws his thumbs up, walking towards his stereo. She watches him walk away, smiling at how lucky she was, to have this man to herself.
~
They eat at the dining table, sat across from each other. John kept just a small, high table dining set. For years, it had been just him alone, quietly getting through lonely nights and meals for one alone. It’s nice to have company at the habitually isolated table.
Their hands hold each other across the table, fingers fiddling with one another every now and then, soft touches and grazes placed on each others skin, soothing rubs ghosting across each others wrists. Quiet laughs flood their intimate conversation, smiles and grins exchanged frequent. Every now and then, John throws a safe piece of food down to Dog, who is munching away at his own food bowl by their feet. This was perfect. Their own, exclusive little family, lost in each other’s company.
Near the end of the meal, John brings a napkin up to his lips, quietly clearing his throat. His grip on Y/N’s hand tightens slightly, her eyes connect with his, noticing the difference. He has something on his mind, she’s begun to read him like the back of her hand. She brings her elbow to rest on the table, her chin taking place leaning on her hand, as she watches John, collecting his thoughts.
“Something wrong, babe?” she asks lightly, brows furrowing.
John lets out a small chuckle, sighing. “No, no. Everything’s perfect. You’re perfect..” his eyes connect with hers, getting lost in those gorgeous, lively orbs of hers. He toys with her hand again, looking down at his plate. “Do you…uh…wanna spend the night? Here?” he proposes, nervous she may decline. “Tonight’s great, and I just uh…I don’t wanna see you go.”
Y/N’s eyes pause in place, no emotion present on her face for a moment. John’s heart began to race rapidly, scared he may have crossed a line too soon. However, when her lips curl into a smile, her grip tightening on his hand as well, he hears her velvety voice chime.
“Sure.”, she smiles, holding his hand tighter, reassuringly.
John feels relief wash over him, sighing. He chuckles a reply. “Wow, awesome. I thought you were going to say no for a second.” He runs his other hand through his hair.
Y/N stares into him, studying each bump, each crevice of his face. His beard is lined perfectly, his skin is aglow, there’s a glint in his eyes, his lips are so exquisitely pink, so kissable. Each part of him was so lovable. He deserved, all the love she could give him.
“John?” she quietly speaks. He looks up to connect their eyes. “I love you. And I trust you. You know that right?”  
He looks at her, heart full with admiration. “I know.”
~
After dinner, John hovers over the kitchen sink, rinsing the dishes in a solution of soapy bubbles, Y/N sat on the counter top right beside him, drying the dishes he hands her. Her legs sway around, as they engage in conversation still, sulking in each other’s presence. She playfully hits his side with her leg every now and then, as he stands defenceless, hands covered in soap. With a playful groan, John glares her, his deep voice filling her ears.
“Babe, you better stop that right now.”
She giggles, setting down her wash cloth. “Whatcha gonna do about it, Wick?”
Rinsing off his hands, before moving to stand between her legs, he places his palms on her hips. Wincing, she tries to shake them off. “John! Your hands are wet.” She frowns.
He smirks, eyeing her. “Well, isn’t that inconvenient?”
She scrunches her face, before ultimately giving in. “Okay fine, ya got me. I’m sorry. You’re just so fun to mess with.” She taps his nose, wrapping her arms around his neck.
“Am I, huh?” he smiles, eyeing her lips, gently pulling her in closer as she still sits on the counter.
Her petite hands move to ruffle his dusty, dark brown hair, lips curling into a smile. “Yes, because I know you’re never going to say anything back to me.” Dog moves across the kitchen to sit near John’s feet again, as he straddles her standing against the counter. “Of course, besides maybe getting my shirt wet.” She smiles.
She stares at his lips as well, before bringing her eyes to connect his gaze, trapped in hers. Bringing a hand to cup his stubble ridden cheek, she lightly speaks. “You’re a good man, Jonathan.” A muffled giggle escapes her mouth, watching how awestruck his expression turns each time she reminds him. “You take care of me, and Dog. You’re a good, good man.”
John still hadn’t gotten used to hearing those words. No one, in years, for as long as he could remember, had called him anything remotely good. To the world, he was a petrifying, feared, symbol of death. Someone they saw as a monster.
But then there was her. This woman, who saw past all that, saw the human in him. Saw everything he so desperately wanted to be, saw the way he was clawing at the surface for someone to really see him, and everything he ached to be. Sometimes, it only takes one, special person, to fix us.
John never wanted to be a monster. He never was, and she knew that.
Without a thought, John connects his lips with hers, in a searing, adoring kiss. She gladly returns the affection, running her hands through his hair, along his beard, pulling him closer. Pausing momentarily, John connects his forehead with hers, eyes shutting in complete contentment.
This was where he always wanted to be.
She cups his cheek, missing his lips on hers so soon. They kiss again, fingers pulling each other closer, trying to feel more. John breaks away, bringing his hand to hold hers again. Squeezing gently, he almost whispers.
“Can we take this upstairs?”
Nodding, she smiles, feeling his broad, large arms scoop her up, carrying towards the stairs, her legs wrapped securely around his waist. Placing feather light kisses to his temple, his nose, and the corners of his mouth as she pleases the entire journey up to his bedroom, she beams at the way his eyes light up as she does so. The laugh lines crinkle around the corners of his eyes, making him look heavenly.
Placing her softly, gradually on the bed, he watches her lay, allowing him to hover over her. Kissing each inch of the soft, gleaming skin on her face, he reflects to himself, on just how lucky, how excited he was, to finally make love to her. To finally show her how much she meant to him, in the most fragile, sacred way.
He grazes his fingers under the hem of her shirt, softly smoothing over the skin. “Is this okay, sweetheart?” he asks, making sure she was ready for them to be intimate. Something they hadn’t done before.
“Of course, baby. I love you.” She whispers, pulling him in for another passionate kiss. She toys his belt buckle, as his hands explore parts of her body they’d only dreamt of touching, thus far.
~
An hour later, John lays shirtless in bed, with his lover’s head rested on his chest. He’s got an arm around her, holding her close to him. She draws figures and shapes, tracing over his rosy skin. To say it was amazing, would be an understatement. They hadn’t been able to keep their hands to themselves, despite finishing. In comfortable silence, to the sound of the rise and fall of John’s chest, Y/N’s voices.
“John?”
He shifts slightly, moving his head to press a kiss to her forehead. “Yeah, love?”
She feels her heart swell at the sight of him, his skin glistening, heartbeat calm, so naturally beautiful. He was so god damn beautiful. She smiles, unable to form any words for the way she was feeling. She rests her head down again on his chest, feeling him chuckle, embedding a small, gentle kiss in her hair.
John glances at the time piece on the stand. 10:15pm.
“I’ll grab you one of my spare shirts to sleep in?” he proposes, as she sits up, pulling the duvet to cover her shirtless chest. “Thank you.” She replies, still smiling. Watching him get out of the bed, her eyes gloss over his tattoos on his perfectly toned back, slipping on his pants. She follows suit, pulling on her panties, heading to the washroom.
~
Following a quick wash of her face, the water beads spritzing life back into her flushed cheeks, Y/N tucks herself away in John’s bed, as he’s taken Dog out for the final time tonight. She grins to herself still, the memories of what her and John did earlier that evening hazing her mind. The fact that she would be falling asleep next to him tonight, in his arms, only sent more butterflies drifting about in her mid.
She hears Dog run back into the room, padding in a few circles before taking place at the foot of the bed, retiring for the night. John follows not too far behind, smiling as his eyes set on Y/N in his bed, waiting.
“Hey you..” she speaks, voice filled with love.
“Hi,” he beams back, placing Dog’s replenished water bowl when he could see it.
“Come ere, the beds getting cold.” She smiles, her syrupy voice so warm, inviting.
John gladly accepts, switching the lights off by the door, before walking to his side of the bed.
Until he hears Y/N gasp.
“John?” She gulps. Don’t you have a lamp?” he hears in the pitch black room.
“No? Why?”
“I always sleep with light in the room…this is scary.” She murmurs, barely above a whisper.
John chuckles. “Baby, I’m sorry I don’t have a lamp. But I’m here with you, what’s so scary about that?” he expertly navigates his dark room, pulling the covers back to join Y/N in bed, immediately pulling her into his chest. Of course, he felt her startle slightly at the touch.
“I’m not scared of the dark, John. I’m scared of what’s in the dark.” She asserts, in a matter of fact tone.
“Well, only thing in the dark right now is me, babe.” He laughs.
“That’s scary enough.” She teases, trying to bring her hand to his face.
“Hey!” John giggles, securing his grip on her.
“John, I can’t see anything. I don’t like it at all.”
“But we’re going to sleep, darling. You don’t need to see anything.” He articulates, placing a kiss on her forehead.
“John!” She whines, nudging him. He hums in response, his hands soothingly rubbing her back as he holds her. “John, can’t you just leave the bathroom light on?”
He sighs playfully. “Sweetheart, I can’t sleep with lights in the room.”
“What if I wanted to kiss you? I can’t see where your face is.” She proclaims, hands trying to locate his face.
“Hmmm…” John contemplates. She brings her arms to sooth over his biceps. “Pleeeeasseeee babe, I really don’t like it.” She frowns.
John chuckles again, bringing his hand to cup her cheek. “I’m only teasing, darling. Lemme fix it.” He replies, getting out of the bed, switching the bathroom light on for her, Dog’s gaze perking up to the sudden change of hue. As John pads back to the bed, climbing in, Y/N cuddles in close, kissing his chest as his arms engulf her again.
“Better?” he questions, smiling down at her.
“Yes. Thank you.” She buries her face in his chest, breathing in his woody scent.
“My girlfriends scared of the dark.” John smirks, teasing. Y/N light-heartedly nudges him in response. Toying his hand through her hair, he sighs. “You know I’d do anything for you, right?” his voice is barely audible, in the hushed, silent room.
Y/N doesn’t reply right away; she takes a moment to relax, feeling him so close. Barely above a whisper, she finally speaks. “I know.” John grips her tighter, pressing another kiss into her hair.
“How about you start by getting a nightlight for me?” she proposes, giggling. “It could be a dinosaur one, so it doesn’t break your big, manly persona.” She teases, cupping his cheek, pressing a kiss to his chin.
“I suppose. Only if it’s a dinosaur one, though. Can’t have my lady sleeping in the dark again.” He agrees, bringing her smaller hand up to place a kiss to her palm. “You really are adorable, Y/N.”
If making love tonight hadn’t made him fall deeper in love with her, this encounter surely had. He couldn’t wait to learn more about her, be domestic with her. To have her to fall asleep to, just like this, to learn which side of the bed she prefers, when she drifts to dreamland, every single night. 
“I love you.” John whispers, a few moments departed. He rubs her back soothingly, calmly again. However, when she doesn’t reply, he gently taps her. When she doesn’t move, he knows she’s fallen into a deep, well deserved slumber. Exhaling, he grins to himself again.
He couldn’t believe this was going to be his life.
With a pull of the duvet higher to tuck her in perfectly, the blanket draped, positioned flawlessly around her, John presses a final kiss to her temple, resting his chin a top of her head. 
To the sound of Dog’s gentle snores, complimented effortlessly by the steady rise and fall of Y’N’s chest on him, John prepares to doze off as well, not too far behind. With the moon and it’s starry friends peering through the bedroom window, perfectly peppering the black and blue marbled sky, another wonderful day has bid good bye, with his lover tucked in securely beside him, whisked away in her own fairyland.
He thanks the sky for giving him this life, as his silvery voice whispers.  
“Goodnight, angel”
*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*•*
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heartofsnark · 5 years
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Black Market Wonderland (Chapter Six): A messy brain, I’m not okay
Notes:  As always, thanks for the continuous support of this story. There has even been people doing fan art of Tsuneko which blows my mind. This was another chapter I struggled with, I’m still unsure when writing Rhion. But, I love him enough to try.
Word Count:  5,499
Warnings:  Nightmare, Suicide (within nightmare) and another panic attack for good measure. I feel like Tsuneko has a lot of panic attacks but given her situation, I feel it’s justified.
Missed the last chapter? Link Here!
Tsuneko’s dorm kitchenette is filled with savory and sweet scents; she puts the finishing touch on the final dish with a low hum. She packs it all away in containers, it will be a pain carrying all of the dishes, but she’ll have to manage. It’s odd how excited she is about this, after dealing with Ichinomiya and Oh, visiting Wonderland feels like a vacation. For all his eccentricities, the Hatter has by far been the kindest of the men involved with the auctions. The only one who can even compare is Baba, but his kindness comes with incessant and nauseating attempts to flirt.
There are a few blotches of stuff on her apron and she hopes it doesn’t stain, ironic given what it is, but she can’t help it. She tosses it in the hamper and throws on a jacket; she already changed into more casual clothes the second she was back from the boutique. She feels so much better in her own clothes, her hair done a way she likes, and she even put in her tongue ring. It was something reckless she did a few years ago in college, she rarely gets to wear it anymore with her job, but it feels nice to have it back in place.
She gathers the food, balancing it all in her arms as she heads out. Tsuneko has to cut through the lobby to head towards Wonderland. She feels a little out of place, she’s basically only here if she’s working, so wearing her casual clothes in the lobby is a new experience.
“Tsuneko!” A familiar and accented voice rings out, every muscle in her body tenses as Mr. Bucci comes over.
“Hello, Mr. Bucci, it’s a pleasure to see you again.” She’s careful as she speaks, aware of the possibility of showing her tongue ring. As much as she likes fucking over Ichinomiya looking like some sort of delinquent in front of his potential work partner feels like a step too far.
“I thought you were spending the day with Carolina and them?”
“I was with them earlier, but I had to leave, I’m on my way to drop off some food actually.”
“You cook?”
“A little, actually,” she manages to open the top container, “do you want a piece of cherry almond bread?’
The older man guffaws at her struggling to get a piece out, she’s hoping the sweet can soothe any bad impression she’s made.
“Thank you very much,” he takes a bite, “there’s nothing better than home cooking, I swear.”
“I’m so glad you like it, I’ll have you cook something just for you while you’re here.”
“Sounds like a plan, I’ll be looking forward to it then.”
Tsuneko waves him off and sighs once he’s out of hearing distance, he’s definitely easier to contend with than his daughter, but she’d still hate to upset him. Not only is he important for Ichinomiya’s work, but she really doesn’t want to make enemies with the Italian mafia. Doesn’t sound like a good time to her. She takes the stairs down to the Hatter’s tea room and knocks on the door.
“It’s Tsune- Alice.”
“Come in! Come in!”
Tsuneko steps into the room and no less surreal than it was the first time, she’s not sure she could ever get used to this. This time the table is already set, the decorations from last time are still out, and the costumed men are already at the table.
“We’ve all been waiting; I’ve been so excited I could barely set the table.”
“Don’t get ahead of yourself, now,” she tells him as she sets everything out, “do you mind pouring the tea?”
The scent of Assam tea mingles with the smells of the food she’s made; Yorkshire pudding with roast, gravy and vegetables. Along with the lemon chiffon pie he requested as a dessert, she made cherry almond bread. He seems to have a taste for sweet fruity things; the lemon chiffon pie and raspberry sauce both coming to mind. The Hatter’s eyes are trained on her as she plates the main course; she tried to make a lot since the March Hare and Dormouse are here as well.
“You seem to be in high spirits today, Alice.”
“Do I?”
“You do.”
“I had a lot of fun cooking for you, plus I’d rather be here than with any of the penthouse guys any day.” she answers with a shrug.
“Ahh, you’ll make my heart fly out of my chest, saying things like that.”
“Pfft, sure, I just hope you like everything I made.”
“It smells so delicious; I might drift off to sleep.” The Hatter closes his eyes and takes a deep inhale.
“I swear to god, if you fall asleep before you even try any of this, I’ll be shoving it down your throat.”
“Ah! How scary!” He jolts up in his seat with wide eyes and she can’t help but snicker.
“Here you go,” she places a plate in front of the Hatter and the two pseudo-furries, other than initial greetings the two have never spoken. If they’re the people the Mad Hatter is always with, he must get lonely, doesn’t he? She shakes off the thought and takes her seat.
“Yes, this is it! Look how the middle is sunken in, isn’t it lovely! ~”
“I just hope it tastes good.” She tried them before hand, but just because they taste good to her doesn’t mean they’ll meet his standard, since he actually knows how they’re supposed to taste.
“Let’s have a taste, Alice,” her leg bounces with nervous energy as the Hatter takes a bite, “mmm, it’s delicious, both the texture and flavor is perfection! ~”
“Yes,” she pumps her fist, “I’m so happy you like them!”
Her nerves relax and she takes a big bite out of her own Yorkshire pudding, the soft texture of the bread mixed with the flavor of the gravy brightens her smile even more.
“How is it?”
“It’s really soft and delicious.”
“Yes, I’m so glad you like them, Alice! ~”
“I’m happy they turned out well, I was really worried when you first asked me to make them. I had no idea what they were.”
“Really? What did you think it was?” He tilts his head to the side, his oversized hat nearly falling off from the movement.
“Uhhhh,” heat floods her cheeks and she stares at her plate, “like dessert pudding, possibly…shaped like a dog…like the terriers.”
“Pfffft, hahahaha!”
A peal of laughter escapes his painted lips and she buries her head in her hands, her skin feels like it’s on fire.
“Hey! Don’t laugh at me!”
“You say the most interesting things, Alice! ~,” he takes a bite of the roast beef, “mmm, the roast beef is perfectly cooked and the gravy is robust and flavorful!”
“You’re too nice.”
“It’s a lovely dinner, the roast beef is sliced so perfectly thin. If it’s cut too thick, it wouldn’t make for a good sandwich later. Ah, isn’t it a wonder how such a delicious meal can be made from such simple ingredients?”
“It really is. I thought it would be a lot more complicated.”
“Flour, eggs, and milk, that’s all the batter is, it’s like it’s transformed by magic!”
Tsuneko’s face is red through the entire meal, as laves compliment after compliment on her cooking. Every bite of food is accompanied by a noise of pleasure and a poetic gushing of how much he loves it. He cleans his plate of the main dish before digging into the cherry almond bread.
“Mmmm, the tart cherries and sweet bread are a lovely a combination! ~”
It’s gone in moments and she’s licking crumbs off her fingers, as the Hatter begins to dig into the lemon chiffon pie. She can’t get over how childlike all his actions seem to be, excitedly digging into every dish with an impossibly wide smile.
“The ephemeral meringue reminds me of a night blooming cactus as it melts instantly in my mouth. The sweet and sour lemon cream gives life to my very heart! ~”
“I’m pretty sure if your heart was pumping lemon cream, you’d die.”
“And I’m pretty sure you can’t make pudding into the shape of a dog,” he teases with a soft smile.
“Shut up.”
She pouts and takes a sip of tea, once the food is gone the March Hare and Dormouse take their leave, not long after a familiar fluff ball comes walking in.
“Oh, Cheshire, how are you today?”
The Hatter greets the oversized cat as she tries to jump into a seat, but she has trouble lifting herself. Tsuneko puts her hand under Cheshire’s back feet and gives her a lift up.
“Back from your nightly walk, are you?” Cheshire mews back at the Hatter’s question, “Oh? That’s wonderful. That’s the best part of taking a walk, isn’t it?”
“What did Cheshire say?” Tsuneko raises an eyebrow, humoring the Hatter’s attempt to be Dr. Doolittle.
“She was watching a beautiful butterfly fall asleep and felt the night breeze caress her cheeks.”
“Sounds like a lovely time, are you hungry?”
Tsuneko gets a little piece of roast beef, letting Cheshire eat it from her hand. Once she’s cleaned her hand, she starts scratching her ear, the cat leaning into the touch and purring.
“I think Cheshire has gained some weight.”
“It’s fine, she wears it well, want me to brush her fur out?”
The Hatter smiles brightly and brings her a brush. She begins stroking it through the cat’s fur; the silky fluff is relaxing to pet through. Cheshire curls up in her lap, purring with every brush and pet against her fur.
“Hey, I’ve been meaning to ask you something, about the auctions,” Tsuneko brings up, scratching under Cheshire’s chin.
“Hmm, what could that be?”
Tsuneko’s mouth dries out, thoughts of that stage, that night. This isn’t stage fright, she knows that. She’s never been afraid of speaking to crowds, but any advice or help from someone who steps onto that stage regularly is welcomed. She clicks her tongue ring against the roof of her mouth, fidgeting with Cheshire’s fur.
“Do you…ever get…nervous getting on stage?”
His head tilts curiously to the side, his hat once again threatening to topple over. He chews on his painted bottom lip and his face wrinkles in concentration.
“Are you nervous about it?”
“Uh….maybe, just a bit.”
“Why would the stage make you nervous?”
“Y’know, being stared at...and gunk…” She supposes severe trauma from being sold like a literal object can be safely tucked into the ‘gunk’ category.  
"You worry about the silliest things," he waves his hand like it'll make her fear disappear, "you'll do wonderfully!"
Despite the chipper tone, not a single word that came out of his mouth was helpful. She sighs, she’s not sure what she expected, the Hatter is eccentric at best and completely detached from reality at worse, why would he be able to help her?
“’Preciate it,” she teeters back in her chair with her feet on the table and Cheshire still in her lap, “so, you grew up in England?”  
His smile drops and every muscle in his body tenses, like she’s thrown cold water on him. She plays with the ring in her tongue, nervously pushing it up and down. She’s never seen him like this, like her one little question has sent his world crashing down.
“The place where I grew up…yes.”
“You said the Yorkshire pudding was from your home country, so I was curious…”
“The place where I grew up, it’s a place where there are beautiful roses…”
His eyes soften when he mentions the roses and Tsuneko finds her own wandering to the walls of Wonderland. Roses are painted over them, what she once assumed was just another reference to his favorite fairy tale has taken on a new meaning. Clearly, he has conflicted feelings about where he came from, but the roses seem to be a pleasant memory for him. There’s a pang in her heart, as strange as he is, he’s a kind person and seeing him hurt for even a second hurts her.
“That must be nice, roses are really beautiful.”
“They are,” he’s beaming again, “being surrounded by beautiful things is the best. That’s why Wonderland is so incredible. The clear sky, the lush garden, a wonderful table at which to have parties, roses, and-oh, I know there’s something I haven’t shown you yet, Alice!”
He’s gesturing flamboyantly as he rushes towards the wall, Cheshire hops out of her lap to start sniffing around the room. Tsuneko idly picks at the fur left on her shorts and tights while she waits for the Hatter’s new surprise. She hears the click of a switch and her breath catches in her throat.
The ceiling has shifted, no longer showing an evening sky, it’s now pitch black with gleaming stars. It looks so real, she knows it’s not, but she can see the starlight shining against the velvet black. It almost feels like she’s back home, sitting on her roof and stargazing again.
“Whoa, they look so real.”
“They are real stars in Wonderland.”
“It reminds me of when I was little,” Tsuneko can’t help but say, maybe because he talked a bit about his past, she feels like she should share her own.
“Really?”
“Yeah, it was a small place so you could see the stars really well. I use to always climb up to the roof of our house to see them. My dad kept telling me I was gonna fall and break my neck, he would worry over the stupidest shit.”
“Did you ever fall?”
“Yeah, but I broke my arm, so,” she shrugs her shoulders, “won that one.”
The Hatter laughs and she finds herself joining it, cracking up at her own dumb ass.
“You have a way at looking at the bright side, I suppose,” The Hatter manages to say as his giggles die down.
“Hmmm, more like just spiteful enough to say I won no matter what, but spin it however you want,” she pauses for a moment, “you want to like properly stargaze?”
“Properly stargaze?”
She smiles at the way his head tilts again; she wonders what he looks like beneath the makeup. His behaviors alone are too cute; does he have a cute face to match? Wait, what is she thinking? He’s an auctioneer who helped sell her, no matter how kind or cute he may or may not be, she can’t forget that.
“Yeah,” she shakes off the odd thought, “when there are stargazing event people will get blankets and lay out on the ground to watch them.”
“Oh,” his eyes are bright and wide, “that sounds like fun, let's do that!”
“Okay, help me move the table so we can lie down.”
She hooks her fingers under one side of the table and the Hatter’s eyebrows furrow, but follows suit in getting his hand on the other side. He’s biting his lip, is he worried about something?
“Count of three lift it up with me okay; one, two, three!”
She lifts and realizes why he was worried; she’s definitely lifting the brunt of the table’s weight. His arms are trembling from what he’s holding up, he’s not very strong. She finds herself smiling as she guide him to helping her move the table further off to the side, that must be why he needs the furry guys to move stuff. They put down the table once it’s far enough to the side and he’s letting out soft huffs of air, little beads of sweat make his makeup run a bit. It wasn’t that heavy, next time she could probably lift it alone.
“Do you have any extra blankets?”
“Uh, um, in the closet.” He points her in a direction; he’s too winded to be dramatic about it.
She’s smiling as she rummages, finding the biggest softest blanket she can. It falls across the center of the room with a soft noise, big enough for two and a cat. Tsuneko falls back against the blanket with all the grace of a boulder, stretching her arms and legs out to feel the soft fabric beneath her.
The Hatter follows suit, falling in place beside her. She can feel the warmth of his presence next to her, the fabric of his costume brushing against her, his limbs tangled with her own in the places where their sprawled bodies overlap and the way any semblance of personal space has been abandoned.
It’s not uncomfortable though, it should be but it isn’t. This kind of thing usually makes her want to scream and run away. Blurring of boundaries and sharing stories of the past, things that normally put a pit in her stomach feel fine here with him. Why? She’s never told Sakiko or Chisato a thing about her past, not even little anecdotes and she usually doesn’t let them too close, a casual touch here and there too. But, she’s never been able to relax like this, just letting someone be in her space.
Her eyes drift from the artificial stars to the man beside her, eyes narrowing as she tries to crack this code. His hat fell off, the teal hair color must be wash out, and she can see black patches of hair starting to peek through. The white face paint around his neck and forehead has started to rub off, little patches of regular fair skin beneath. She wants to fix it, retouch up his hair and makeup for him. She’s so accustomed to his over the top fake appearance, seeing even glimmers of the person beneath it is making her a little uncomfortable.
It’s because he’s fake.
The realization of it hits her. That’s why this is okay, why she can tell him about falling off the roof and can let him into her space, he’s not real. He is, but he isn’t. Sakiko and Chisato are real people they’re opinions, judgments, and actions have an impact on her. If they know the dumb shit she’s done or see her vulnerable, they’re judgment would hurt so much, because it’ll mean something.
The Hatter is fake, he may exist, but everything about him feels fake. It’s not like talking to a real person; she’s talking to a character, someone whose existence only impacts Wonderland. Everything about him is so far detached from reality, even Wonderland feels like she’s stepped into another world; it feels like nothing here matters. Like saying things to an imaginary friend or Kiyo. It means nothing, so why bother with boundaries? But, the Hatter exists and can give some sort of proper response. He’s not real enough, not enough of a person for her hang ups to matter, but enough of a person that it doesn’t feel like she’s talking to herself.
He falls into this uncanny valley of existence and it brings her a sense of comfort. There’s someone she can tell stupid things too, someone who can hear her, but not impact her. He’s a step up from talking into the void, but still a step down from talking to people. She can relax and have no fear with him, something she thought she could only do alone.
“Do I have something on my face Alice?”
“Huh, ah no, hey, you want to hear something stupid that happened after I broke my arm?” She stares back at the sky as she changes the topic.
“What’s that?”
“A couple days after a kid at school was annoying me, but I couldn’t punch him because of my arm. I was so upset I couldn’t fight because of my cast, I went home and tried to cut it off with a handsaw.”
“What!?” he slaps a hand over his mouth as he laughs.”
“My dad caught me before I broke through it all and had to take me to get it redone; I was so upset I didn’t talk to him for a whole day.”
“I never imagined my Alice was such a violent child,” he teases.
“You have no idea, I was a garbage kid. Like bad seed, demon spawn type shit. My parents would have had better luck raising a rabid dog, I swear.”
“You couldn’t have been that bad.”
“You want to bet? I swear every kid and their parents hated me. One time, a kid’s mom brought in cupcakes I didn’t like, so I pushed him off the jungle gym. Who does that!?”
“Alice, that’s awful!”
“I know, I was the worst, I’m not sure how my folks put up with me.”
“Lots of patience, I’m sure.”
“I think my dad still has a scar from when I bit him for telling me to go to bed.”
“You’re starting to sound more like the jabberwock than my Alice.”
“I can see that, I might be a jabberwock in disguise, you never know.”
“I’d still be happy to have you, even as a jabberwock. I’d adore you, claws and all.”
“You’re too sweet-oof,” the wind is knocked out of her as Cheshire hops onto her chest, “well, hello to you too.”
“What’s that Cheshire? Hmmm, you’d love Alice as a jabberwock too, guess we’re in agreement.”
“Awww, is that true sweetie?” She scratches over the cat’s fur, feeling Cheshire lean into her touch and purr.
“She means every word of it, no matter what she’d adore you.”
Heat flood Tsuneko’s cheeks, he’s really too nice to her, even knowing he helped sell her she can’t help thinking how nice he is.
“Hey, there’s even constellations up there,” Tsuneko points up at the projected night sky, “I’m pretty sure that’s Capricorn.”
“Do you know the constellations Alice?”
“A few of them, not a lot though, there was a girl in my class who could find and name them all in a second.”
There’s a pang in her heart, guilt eating at her when she thinks about that girl, but she swallows it down like bile and pushes those thoughts from her mind. She wants to be happy right now, in this little piece of Wonderland completely divorced from reality and in front of this odd man who seems to only exist here, she wants to be happy.
“Hmm, I’m afraid I don’t know any of them, Alice.”
“I only learned a few from other people; if I’m being honest they don’t mean anything to me. It all looks like random dots to me, the stories are interesting though.”
“Did you get invited out a lot, Alice?”
“Uhhh, invite isn’t really the right word, I just kind of showed up, whether anyone wanted me there or not. They’re fun though, have you ever been to anything like that?”
“Huh!? Uh, I can’t remember clearly, I’ve been in Wonderland for the past four years, so…”
“You haven’t been outside in four years?”
“Huh? Of course not,” his voice trembles and his eyes widen, “are you suggesting I go above ground, your jokes are too much Alice.”
“Hmm, okay, I understand.”
She’s not sure she does fully, but she can tell he must not want to push the issue. Maybe he’s agoraphobic? Why wouldn’t he ever want to leave, he’s even more cut off from reality then she realized. Does he have a family? Do they know what he does?
Does she want to know?
If she knew about those things, he’d be more human. If he’s more human, would she still feel so safe being like this with him? Would this new-found sense of comfort, a strange almost friendship, be ruined once he’s real?
Her eyelids are heavy and she can’t help yawning. How late is it? She checks the time on her phone, it’s past two am, how did time pass by so quickly?
“Are you tired Alice?” The Hatter asks with a soft voice, it feels like a lullaby to her sleepy brain.
Even in Wonderland, completely separate from reality, she’s not going to sleep in front of someone. The most she’s ever allowed is the occasional dozing off at hair salon, but those are never deep or enough for dream, just resting her eyes before she’s told to move. If she allows herself to sleep here, it’ll be a deep dreamy sleep. She’ll have a nightmare and scare him, or worse. There’s no place far enough from reality for her to allow herself to be that vulnerable.
“Yeah, I have to get headed home.” She pulls herself up to her feet and the hatter follows suit.
“Oh…you know, you could sleep here.”
“Uh, no, I couldn’t intrude like that.”
“It wouldn’t be intruding; I…have a room you can use.”
“Huh, you do?”
“I do and it might not be safe for you to walk alone so late.”
“My dorm is like five minutes away.”
His eyes focus on the floor and he pouts.
“I don’t want you to leave.”
His voice is soft and timid; he looks like a lost puppy dog. If he has another bedroom, there are a couple of doors around Wonderland, then she wouldn’t be near him while she was sleeping. So, it wouldn’t be an issue.
“Alright, where’s the spare room?”
“Oh! Yes! It’s right this way! ~”
He’s back to excited child status and all but skips towards one of the doors. She trails after him, movements sluggish with exhaustion. The Hatter opens the door like he’s revealing the most magical of secrets and her eyes widen.
The room is gorgeous, if not for the fact it would mean living with someone, Tsuneko wouldn’t mind staying here permanently. Part of the walls are soft floral patterns, the lower half pastel blue and white vertical stripes. The bed has a soft blue blanket and pale pink canopy.
“It’s so cute!”
“I’m glad you like it, you can use it anytime you want.”
“I really appreciate it, thanks.”
“It’s no problem, I’m happy to have you here; I’ll let you sleep now.”
“Goodnight.”
“Goodnight, Alice.”
She waves him off for the night and shuts the door, why does he have the extra room? It seems like an odd thing to keep, the March Hare and Dormouse obviously don’t stay here. But, everything about him is odd, so maybe it’s best not to question things. She sends a quick text asking Chisato to check on Kiyo if she can and kicks off her boots, she doesn’t exactly have pajamas here, but she’s tired enough to fall asleep in anything.
Maybe it’s the stress of the shopping trip with Carolina finally coming down on her or having just gotten to relax with someone, either way she doesn’t feel the usual resistance to getting ready to sleep. She’s ready to crash already, she just hope she doesn’t make any noises to attract attention to her room.  The walls don’t seem too thin, but that doesn’t mean soundproof.
She sets an alarm on her phone, tosses off her jacket and undoes the bun that’s been holding up half of her hair before throwing herself on the bed. It’s plush and so soft; it isn’t just nice to look at. Tsuneko roots and finds her way under the blanket; her eyelids grow heavier and heavier as she drifts off to sleep.
A deafening sort of silence overwhelms her as Tsuneko stands in the house; too cold, too dark, and too quiet to be considered a home.
The silence is pierced as rope shifts and wood creaks. Her heart pounds in her ears and she jolts into movement. A different kind of overwhelming, too quiet replaced with too loud, complete whiplash.
Too loud.
Too desperate.
Hot tears stream down her face, her lungs burn with the need to breath. It’s like she’s on fire, heat simmering under her skin and sweat running down the back of her neck.
Tsuneko sees her. Long dark hair falls over her face, noose wrapped tighter around her neck and the wood creaks with the strain to hold her body up. She doesn’t look dead, like she could move or breathe any second. Maybe, Tsuneko can save her.
She’s under them, forcing their weight up onto her shoulders. If she can lift them up higher, she can reduce the tension, stop them from strangling.
If only she was taller.
If only she was stronger.
If only she was smarter.
If only she was faster.
If only she was better.
If only she was enough.
But she’s not.
The weight of the body slumps heavy her shoulders, they’ve gone cold and decay is setting in.
Too short, she couldn’t get them up higher.
Too weak, couldn’t lift them up further.
Too stupid, why didn’t she grab a ladder, something to cut the rope?
Too late, if only she had gotten there sooner.
Too cruel, that’s why they’d choose death over her.
She’s not enough good things and too many bad things, a disgusting mess that drives everyone away.  
Death is more desirable than her.
Death was better than one more moment with her.
Tsuneko wakes up with a jerk, knocking a pillow over in her frenetic movement. Her face is soaking wet, hot tears flooding her vision, she tries to wipe them away but her fingers are numb and trembling.
She can’t catch a deep enough breathe; every breath is a desperate gasp that just feels too shallow to keep her going. Her throat is tight, like it’s swelling and her heart won’t stop pounding.
Just a little peace, that’s all she wants. Why is that too much to ask? Why is her mind constantly reminding her of every failure, why does she have to be such a failure?
She needs to get away. Doesn’t matter where, just away.
Her hands are shaking; she nearly drops her phone and puts her jacket on inside out. She doesn’t bother zipping her boots, just shoving her feet into them before moving.
That’s all she needs to do right now, is move, go, get away. The door of the spare bedroom closes behind her with a noise and her panic fogged brain can just hear the sound of water running.
It’s coming from the bathroom, a shower.
The Hatter is taking a shower, so mundane, but so odd to think of with him. His hair color and makeup would be completely washed away, he must look…human. The water stops and the door starts to creak open. If she stays she’ll see who he is, he’ll be real.
She’s gone.
The door to Wonderland slams shut behind her and she’s taking the stairs two at a time, just pushing forward with every stumble or trip that threatens to send her falling back down.
She doesn’t want to see the real him.
She doesn’t want to see him as a person.
She doesn’t want the illusion broken.
If she lets that happen…
It’s over.
It’s ruined.
Whatever glimmer of happiness, whatever minute amount of peace she’s found here will be destroyed.
He’ll be real, he’ll be human, and he’ll know what a mess she is.
He’ll have shown her the real him before he’s ready, there’s a reason he’s like this, he’ll never want to see her again.
She’s so sick of everything going to shit.
She’s sick of how fragile every moment of happiness is.
She doesn’t want to destroy anything else.
She doesn’t want to ruin anything else.
She doesn’t want to be like this.
Why can’t she stop being like this?
Why can’t she just be happy?
Her feet hurt. She stops moving, a few random people brushing past her without concern for her state. She’s somewhere in the city, she’s not sure where. She just kept moving.
She’s breathing heavy, but it’s different. Huffs from exertion rather than panic. Her heart is starting to calm. Her limbs are heavy and leaden, but no longer numb. She just wants to fall down in the middle of the street and rest, maybe in the road so a truck tire can cave her skull in.
Instead, she checks her phone. She’s going to be late for work. If Ichinomiya thinks she’s avoiding work for the bet, she’ll lose automatically.
Does it even matter?
Can she even get her life back on track if she wins?
Even if she does, will it make her happy?
It’s not like she was ever really happy before.
Maybe even if she wins she’d be better off dead.
She doesn’t have time for this anymore. She’s used up her daily allotted breakdown time it seems, mental health takes a back seat to a paycheck until further notice.
Tsuneko sits down at a nearby bus stop, looking at the schedules available and makes a call, a heavy sigh on her lips.
“Yeah, Kenzaki, I’m going to be late. Sorry for being a bother.”
Her voice cracks with how much she means it. She’s just making everyone else’s life harder, fucking things up, that’s all she ever does.
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beewishing · 5 years
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i live in an apartment filled with bright, warm light. it has big windows and sheer curtains and i draw them aside often to let the light in. i have a view of plants and greenery and a beautiful sky. the window in my kitchen faces the sunrise and the window in my bedroom faces the sunset. i watch both frequently, letting the joy and awe of life and love and nature and beauty fill and complete me. my apartment is open and spacious, free of any heavy energy. it is decorated beautifully, showing signs of life and love throughout. it is filled with positive and loving energy. i feel good the second i walk in, knowing i’m home, in a space entirely my own. my room is bright and yellow, filled with softness and creature comforts. there are fairie lights everywhere, giving the room a soft and inviting nature. i am comfortable and uplifted in this space. i have a big, comfortable bed. it’s the most comfortable bed i’ve ever had, and i feel all the weight of the day lift from my shoulders as i sink into the mound of soft blankets. i have good, luxurious pillows that support my head and neck, letting me sleep in any position and waking up feeling amazing, no soreness anywhere in my body. i frequently have friends stay over, and we are comfortable together in my room, sharing space and energy, uplifting each other and basking in each other’s warm and loving presence. my love is with my most nights, we curl up in my bed talking about everything that comes to mind, completely open and honest, trusting and vulnerable. we enjoy each other’s presence completely, feeling safe and wanted, needed and cared for, in each other’s arms. we have our whole lives ahead of us, and we map them out in my bed, talking about our dreams and hopes, our deepest and truest desires, for ourselves and for each other and for us, together. we hold each other close, feeling love and affection swim between us, filling our whole bodies, all our senses. we are so comfortable and at ease in each other’s presence. we appreciate the time we get to spend together, every single second cherished and filled with gratitude for each other’s presence in our lives. my apartment has a balcony filled with thriving plants, giving off an air of budding life, constant growth. i go out on this balcony frequently, letting the fresh air wash over me, losing myself in the pure joy of being alive. i look at the world around me and am filled with so much love and inner peace. i have boundless excitement and happiness about my life, myself, my potential, my future, and each present moment. i decorate this balcony with comfortable chairs and soft lights and candles. i am able to completely relax and let go of worries.  i often have friends and new people over, and we sit on the balcony together, talking deep into the night. it is a place of easy and effortless connection, a place of deep and fulfilling honesty, a place to bare secrets and share joy and talk about everything that comes to mind. it is a place of deep, true, fulfilling connection. i have a cute kitchen filled with perfectly working appliances. being in my kitchen gives me energy and strong desire to cook for myself and others. i cook full, delicious, healthy meals. i eat regularly and healthily, choosing the best foods for my body, my health, and my mood. i pay attention to how the food i eat makes me feel, and keep only what makes me feel good in my house. i am able to effortlessly afford fresh ingredients and foods. i shop frequently at local shops and farmer’s market, eating healthy local foods, filling my body with sustaining nourishment that i enjoy and is good for me. i have a little table to sit at and cute dishes. i have sturdy cookware that is easy for me to maintain. my kitchen is a place of creation and joy, effortless energy goes into cooking and eating, as well as cleaning afterwards. my fridge is big enough to fit all the food i eat in it, and it’s decorated with cute magnets and stickers, pictures and notes. i have knick knacks around my windowsill and counters that fill me with happiness each and every time i look at them. light shines in on me through the window as i prepare, cook, eat, and clean. i feel amazing and at ease in my kitchen, inspired to make good food and bake sweet treats and breads. each morning i wake up with ease, feeling well rested and ready for the day ahead, filled with inner peace, happiness, and excitement. i leave my bed easily, not tempted to stay in bed all day, despite it’s comfort. i make delicious and energizing coffee using fresh ground beans and clean water. i have a morning ritual that i stick to diligently, letting it fill me with energy and balance. i wash my face as the coffee brews, feeling clean and fresh. i journal or write as i drink my coffee, often waking early enough to watch the sunrise through my kitchen window as i do so. i am mindful and grateful for each moment, each small pleasure, each day i receive so beautifully. my bathroom is big, with a full counter, big enough to stretch out on, and a huge mirror. i decorate my bathroom with fairy lights and ivy, soft bath rugs and cute decorations. my bath has a full tub, big enough to comfortably lay in for hours. i take baths often, delighting in the simple warmth and pleasure, using the space to think back on the pleasures of the day, to check in with myself, and to treat myself with care and kindness. my shower head is big and pressurized, with different settings that all feel amazing. i have a hot water tank big enough to take long, luxurious showers, as long as i want without the water running cold. i shower mindfully, never hesitating to get clean and feeling better each time i do. i have huge fluffy towels that feel amazing after i’ve showered, and i always remember to moisturize after the hot water on my skin. i have lotion that makes me soft and smooth and smelling amazing, and i use it frequently. the common areas of my apartment have hard wood or soft, plush, pleasant looking carpet. i love spending time out of room, out in the open, appreciating each room in my apartment. i have comfortable chairs and beautiful paintings and decorations in each of the rooms. i often have incense lit and my apartment smells amazing and feels entirely welcoming to everyone who enters, including myself. no one ever feels out of place or unwanted when they’re with me in my home, they know my life has space intended just for them, as does my heart and my mind. i appreciate everyone in my life so much, and make sure they know it through my words and actions. i make myself available to those in my life, as much as is healthy for both of us. my relationships are fulfilling and abundant, filled with love, care, kindness, and connection. i am close with the people in my life, able to talk and express myself easily with them, spending quality time with them doing things we both enjoy. we go new places, go on small adventures, go out to eat and drink and have fun, and stay in so i can cook for them or them for me, so we can talk privately and openly, honest and appreciative of the conversation and each other. i learn new things from and about the people in my life. we help each other to grow and mature, to learn and develop and experience so many wonderful moments together. we share good food and good drinks and do fun things. we go out to stores and shows, festivals and restaurants, movies and music, art galleries and museums, and just walking around aimlessly. we go wherever our indulgences take us, exploring the world around us, finding new delights in places we’d never have thought to go before. we go on bike rides and swing in parks, we go to the beach and walk through nature trails, we go to the library and read together, we go to picnics together in the park with fresh fruit and bread and healthy snacks that are as delicious as the moments themselves. love is abundantly present in every relationship, every day, every moment, every single aspect of my life. i never feel unloved or unwanted because i know there are so many people who love and want and care for me, including and most importantly myself. i am secure in my place as a person in this world, secure in each one of my relationships, secure in my image and refusing to rely on projections, allowing myself to be seen always as i truly am. and knowing that who i truly am is amazing and wanted and loved, and always enough. i prioritize and take mindful care of my physical and mental health, my overall well being. i do not engage in things that aren’t good for me, i do not engage with people who are not good for me, i let go of any and all self destructive tendencies and behaviors. i act only in my own best interest, while keeping in mind the best interest of those around me. i surround myself with people who match my true desires, my life path, and my vibrational frequencies. i surround myself with people devoted to healing, moving forward, doing good in the world and in themselves. i surround myself with people full of love and good intentions, towards me and towards themselves and towards the world and the people around them. i surround myself with people who are good for me, who will help me to grow and heal and become better with each day. i do the same for them. i engage only in mutually beneficial relationships, i do not engage in relationships that are one-sided or unhealthy. i accept and acknowledge that no one is perfect, no relationship is perfect, and mistakes will always be made. i deal with these mistakes, imperfections, and upsets in a healthy and productive manner, having a conversation about how i feel and what will happen going forward. i do not let any issues fester or remain unresolved. i resolve issues with intentional care and conversation, communicating about any and all hurts and disappointments, and coming to a healthy resolution. i am loving, intimate, open, vulnerable, trusting, and constantly connecting with those i care about. my outward appearance reflects my inner self. i am easily able to present the way i want, allowing my presentation to shift day to day, minute to minute, whenever necessary in order to reflect my truest and deepest self. my gender presentation is as free and unlimited as my gender itself. i am easily able to afford and buy clothes that reaffirm my self image and my gender. i am pleased with my appearance when i look in the mirror, always. i truly love myself, the person i am both internally and externally. i love all aspects and facets of myself. i am unashamed of myself and my body, my mind and my intensity. i am free to be myself in every way, every place, every situation. i never hold myself back, and i refuse to allow anyone else to hold me back. i move forward with intention and ease, clarity and insight, a true and obvious path. i go on short trips frequently, whether driving aimlessly, going to a new city, a new state, a new country. i embrace adventure into my life, trying new things constantly, never turning down an opportunity for exploration or new experiences. my comfort zone is ever expanding, and i am always willing to try new things. i let go of anxiety and worry, allowing myself to enjoy each moment by being in it fully. i do not worry about what others think of me, i let them express it if they will, otherwise focusing on myself. focusing on how much i love myself, how happy i am to be me. focusing on the experience, being in the moment and basking in how lucky and blessed i am to live out such experiences. i meet new people and make intense connections. i don’t worry if these connections will last or fade, allowing them to be whatever they are, and enjoying them fully in doing so. i let go of expectations, allowing myself to be pleasantly surprised by every outcome. in driving aimlessly, i enjoy the feel of the wind on my face as we roll the windows down, admiring the scenery around us, talking about everything and nothing, listening to random radio stations as we shift from what comes in, enjoying the music and each other’s company and the road ahead of us. we stop someplace that looks interesting to eat, and we chat with the staff and other customers, enjoying conversation and new people and their new perspectives. we connect easily with those around us, enjoying the food and the company and the experience itself. we aren’t reluctant to leave, having enjoyed each moment without the expectation that it will last. sometimes we make new friends, staying in contact with those we meet through chance encounter. we always have good stories and fond memories to look back on. in going to new cities, we wander aimlessly, checking out shops and activities and finding beauty in it all. we don’t have any goal, we’re not looking for anything specific, just a meaningful and exciting experience. and we always find it. we see art and hear music and meet people we otherwise never would have. we see how different each place is, even when they look the same from the outside. we find something beautiful in each city we visit, something memorable to take home with us. sometimes we stay overnight, sleeping in the back of the car or in a hotel. we stay up late talking about the day, how fun and exciting it is to be somewhere we’ve never been before, somewhere no one knows us except each other. sometimes we make up stories about who we are, having fun crafting new realities, new selves. never with the pretense of lying, just having fun with our imaginations and the way perceptions shift. we’re endlessly creative in our adventures, finding hidden spots and beautiful things, beautiful and interesting people. we are endlessly comfortable with each other, basking in the presence of someone so familiar and loved. we’re never uncomfortable and we part before we could possibly get tired of each other’s presence. we learn new things about each other and ourselves, have meaningful and silly conversations, and everything in between. we sit outside and make art, paint and write and sing and dance. we experience life fully, embracing it and cultivating it. we are affectionate and intimate with each other, growing closer and closer, strengthening our bond and connection. we touch frequently and casually, meaningfully and with care. we touch each other’s faces and hold hands and have such casual and loving intimacy with each other. we don’t worry about what other’s think of us, certain in our own understanding. we take pictures, of ourselves and each other and everything around us. we make memories and make sure they’re documented and we don’t let this documentation overpower the experience, only enhance it. i get new piercings and new tattoos, and have fun with my appearance. i allow my visual identity to be fluid, changing as often as i’d like. i always have money and opportunity to change my appearance. money flows easily and constantly to me, it is a constant present in my life, and i never have to worry about having enough because i know i am abundant, prosperous, wealthy, and taken care of. my needs are always met. my desires are always fulfilled. i am able to indulge without guilt in what is good for me. i support creatives and am supported in return. my career flourishes, both writing and spiritual. i am published frequently and i am proud of myself. i know i and my writing are deserving and full of talent. i write and create constantly, i don’t let anything take my creativity or passion from me. i finish all the projects i start, finding joy and pride in the completion, the fruition of my efforts. i create things i am proud of, and i do not dismiss their worth. i tend to my writing with care, allowing it to grow and experiment, allowing it to be playful and joyful just as often as it is serious and intense. i don’t limit myself or my abilities for creation. i allow myself to be as expressive and creative as possible.
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scribir · 6 years
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Self Care for NSFW Artists - A Letter to Myself
As the title suggests, I’m writing this mostly for myself hence the term nsfw, but anyone can use this I suppose. It’s just some real life tips that I’ve learned through experience and wanted to write down. Maybe it can help someone.
Let’s go...
1- Get up! It is important to not be by your desk hunched over writing or drawing for extended periods of time. Not only is it unhealthy to be sedentary for that long, it is important for the mind that you walk away from your work and maybe get a little exercise by taking a walk or going for something to eat or drink.
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2- Feed and hydrate yo’ body! This point ties in with the first as artists (whether you write, craft or draw) tend to restrict themselves to their work for hours. Personally, I am very guilty of this as I can sit at my desk working for up to 18 (or more) hours, moving only when it’s absolutely necessary, only to return promptly to continue working. Food and water is forgotten and at times, many hours later, I’d realize that I didn’t even have breakfast only when a gnawing hunger threatens to kill me or my heart is racing because it was a hot day and I didn’t drink any water.
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3- Eat a balanced diet! So I did say that you should feed and hydrate your body, but I know you *points dramatically* you’ll choose the fastest option which most likely would be fast food for quick calories. But remember!!! Man cannot live by fast food and NSFW Art alone! You need calories from a range of diverse foods, including meat / meat substitute protein, vegetables and some fat and fiber.
Take a multivitamin too if you’re into that. Drink clean fresh water. Eat an assortment of fruits and vegetables everyday (local so it would be cheaper). Prepare your own meals to save money and give yourself healthier options. And if you don’t have the time to prepare meals everyday, do the preparation in advance on a day when you can spare some extra time. What I do is buy sandwich bags and prepare my breakfast, depending on what it is, in advance for the entire week or month. Lunches too I make in advance.
When you make your own meals, you know exactly what’s going into your body and can avoid all the nasties (processed stuff and artificial flavorings) that can be hiding in bought meals. But if you know a local company that makes packaged foods that are healthy, then go right ahead!
Remember that eating a balanced diet that includes a sufficient amount of pesticide-free fruits and vegetables is important to keep your body strong and healthy enough so that you can keep making content.
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4- Wear your damn eyeglasses (if you use those)! Personally I suck at this *puts on glasses quickly then continues to type* I would be at the computer writing / drawing for hours and remember only when my eyes start hurting :/ Don’t do that.
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5- Clean your damn glasses!! Another thing I’m very guilty of. Eye glasses tend to pick up all sorts of bacteria / other microbes when you rest them down or even by simply touching them. Then you put them on your face. See what I’m talking about?? Acne party.
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6- Practise Self care / Have a Self-care Ritual! Eh, so this is something I believe that a lot of people fail at. Move away from the computer / desk and go wash your face, brush + floss your teeth! Take a bath / shower daily. Try to also exfoliate your face and body routinely. Shave / trim too if you’re into that, wash your hair when it’s dirty, moisturize it and keep it up and away from your face while you’re working. This not only makes working on your projects easier but helps prevent acne from dirty hair and keeps your scalp healthy.
If you can, (these tips are for whatever your gender id is), don’t go to sleep without a night cream that’s suitable for your skin type. Wear sunscreen. Keep your hair wrapped with a silk / satin scarf whenever you lie down to avoid split ends, dryness and breakage, wash your pillowcases regularly and use a silk / satin tie when putting your hair up. Also, get a routine trim to manage split ends and hair length. Oh and most importantly, use moisturizers, shower products and treatments FOR YOUR SKIN TYPE. You won’t believe the difference that makes.
Self care also involves mental health and that’s very critical for artists and everyone tbh. Remember to follow any protocol given to you by your healthcare provider and not to neglect it because you were busy cREatiNG ConTEnt *I’m looking at you* Get enough sleep, eat healthy, rest whenever necessary and try to include some meditation and light exercise in the form of yoga / walking/ stretching / pilates. All this is good for the mind. I can go on and on about self care but let’s stop here please.
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7- Clean Your Room! Meh. I hate this one the most because I hate folding laundry, especially when I want to do something creative, but sometimes you just need to stop working and do it. Get up and do your chores. Doing them regularly, means  that your general environment where you work will always be healthy for your mind, body and spirit and will be conducive to you formulating plots for your art and writing projects! Please leave the vision of the artist (this includes writers) in a dark, dusty room piled high with books, dirty + clean unsorted laundry behind T_T
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8- Socialize! EHHHHH....NANI?! Ugh I hate this, but socializing is important for your physical and mental health. I’m an introvert by nature (shoutout to my fellow introverts) and sometimes go to extreme lengths to avoid people but socializing doesn’t mean that you have to go to a big party (an introvert’s nightmare) but simply remembering to respond to your social messages, calling a friend or even taking your mom and or dad out / going to visit them can work.
I hate to admit it but human connection is important (unless you’re a hermit on a mountain or a misanthrope). And look at it this way...interacting with real people is important for your craft! You can read books, look at videos / tutorials to learn about human interaction, but nothing replaces the story a friend would tell you about their day while drunk at 2am or the hot date they had last night, a genuine smile from a loved one, a quirky laugh or the natural movement of people who are unaware that they’re being observed - all things that can help to spark ideas that you can use for the characters in your writing and art. By hanging out with real people and seeing how they move and talk, you tend to create more genuine, believable characters that the people who use your content can identify with.
I should say too that you don’t have to interact with people directly all the time but you can just sit in a coffee shop, walk around the city, sit in the library or travel on the bus (or other public transportation). Just listen and watch and you will be privy to all sorts of gems from real people with real lives, victories and problems that can be used for character study.
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9- DON’T Take Yourself Too Seriously! / Stop doubting your talent! Okay, so this one is a work in progress for a lot of people. Feelings of insecurity when it comes to your craft can attack at anytime. You’re steadily progressing but then you look at other people’s work and think that you’re absolute crap. You think their prose and exposition is great, that their art / writing style is awesome and that you’d never be as good as they are within your lifetime because you don’t have as many kudos, favorites, bookmarks or likes / reblogs as they do.
I have one piece of advice for this problem and that’s to MIND YO’ DAMN BUSINESS. This may sound harsh but it’s critical for survival in the creative world. When you’re busy feeling shitty and insecure about someone else’s work, they’re busy practising hard and getting better while you’re busy hampering your own progress. Look at their work, admire it, send that fellow artist a like / comment then give a reblog and let awesome work of art MOTIVATE you to keep working hard on your craft. You can only get better through practice and and you’re only wasting time by doubting yourself / feeling insecure / feeling jealous because of other’s progress.
I should also say that you may see someone’s wonderful writing or art but you don’t know how many hours and effort they may be putting into their craft. Talent is a wonderful thing to have, but it is a tool that needs to be sharpened every single day. A lot of people don’t like to admit it, but getting to expert level with anything takes an insane amount of practice. When you’re sleeping, you have no idea what those talented people are doing in order to get better. You don’t see the moments where they’re falling asleep on themselves while they’re writing / drawing, you don’t see the amount of horrible drafts they churned out before they got “good” and you have no idea that they too feel like they still need to improve as they continue to work hard.
So be grateful for all the kudos, likes, reblogs or favorites you get but don’t let that define you. Keep moving forward. Keep grinding. I believe in you.
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10- Make time for Reflection! This may seem biased (because...introvert...), but time spent alone is important. Sure, you spend a lot of time alone writing, drawing, creating, but how much of that time is truly alone and without you doing work?? I personally believe that sometimes one needs to just go off to a quiet place to just think. Thinking about life, sorting the past, the present and the future helps to condition and exercise the mind. And a healthy mind makes for a good, capable artist that doesn’t become consumed and destroyed by their craft.
In this respect, I should also say that having Affirmations and doing Meditation is very important. Personally, I have a pinterest board that I use for that purpose and also a book with meditative quotes, passages etc that I try to read every morning.
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11- Make time for Recreation: Whether it is watching your favorite movie, playing a game, watching anime, reading a book or  comic, playing a board game or hanging out with friends, make sure to schedule recreational activities that take you away from your desk and work these into your routine. This, like Reflection, will help to keep your mind conditioned and also get you out of artist’s block. It also helps to generate ideas since personally I find that a good movie, action scene or well-crafted plot sends my mind into overdrive and I end up going back to write lol.
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12- Organization! Having things organized, whether irl or just your WIPs (through journaling, properly saving / titling files etc) will keep you sane and save time. Believe me!
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13 - Support Network! This is self explanatory but having at least one person who is genuine about liking your work and who is like your personal cheerleader is critical. Also, being your own cheer team is important! Don’t depend too heavily on others; love yourself and your work!
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14 - Negative Environments: I can go on an on about this as well, but yeah...being in a toxic situation whether it is at home, school, the workplace, a relationship or even one of your own creation is very very bad for your mental health and if it’s bad for your mental health it is bad for your art. Personally, negative situations help push me forward with my writing as I create a lot of vent stuff as a result but over time it is not healthy. It can mess with your head.
Do whatever you can to get out of your situation or if you can’t, then lay the foundations (saving money etc) to get out eventually. And while you’re unable to get out, remember to practise all the tips I mentioned before. Also, talk to a professional or even someone you can trust.
I think I’ll stop here as this post is getting quite long ^^; Anyways, I hope that my blabbering has managed to help someone as I was somehow unconsciously motivated to write and post this. If anyone wants to add anything, please do!
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fainamarco · 3 years
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How To Use The VivaSlim Supplement?
We give you 13 beauty tips that should be kept in mind to incorporate them into our daily care routine
Having radiant skin is not achieved overnight, it is the result of a beauty routine that must be followed constantly and rigorously. We all know the basics: getting enough sleep, avoiding stress, exercising, and eating a balanced and varied diet. These ingredients of a healthy life, together with the use of products adapted for your skin, is the best recipe to show off your best face.
January is the month of making resolutions. We start the year and we want to change the less healthy habits of our day to day. To the classics of quitting smoking or joining the gym, from Vozpópuli we encourage you to add the following purposes that, if you comply, will give their results in a few days.
I will cleanse the skin every night (and in the morning)
Cleaning is the most important step in the beauty routine, if the skin is not clean, you will not get it to be radiant and beautiful. At night, if you have used makeup, it is best to do a double cleaning. The first would be with an oil-based product that removes the remains of cosmetics. Then we would carry out a new cleaning with another water-based product.
Cleaning in the morning can be much faster, just use a micellar water before using our daily cream.
I will use a good tonic
Toner is always important, but even more so if you have sensitive skin. With it we will be able to balance the PH and avoid that uncomfortable feeling of tightness that many people suffer after cleaning. The cosmetic expert Rocío Escalante, owner of Arbosana Farmacia and co-founder of Laghum Cosmetics, advises applying it by tapping, even with your fingers, leaving it for a few seconds and continuing with the usual treatment.
I'll look at the eye area
The skin around the eyes is thinner and more sensitive, and that is why, from the age of 25-30 it is advisable to use a specific product for this area. It must be used morning and evening and is applied gently with the ring finger to stimulate microcirculation in this area.
The first wrinkles to appear are crow's feet
Keep in mind that the first wrinkles that appear are crow's feet due to the special sensitivity of this area, so do not think that fighting wrinkles is something only for mature people and start using eye contour before reaching the age of 30.
I will choose a special serum for my skin
The serum is not an essential product in our beauty routine, but if we want to achieve the best skin it is totally recommended. We are going to find many types in the market, so we must first be clear about what we are looking for with their use. If you want to protect your skin from free radicals, you will need to use a vitamin C serum in the morning. If your skin is dry and you want to strengthen the skin barrier, add a hydrating serum. If you have flaccidity, there are serums with a lifting effect. For stains, a depigmenting agent. For oily or combination skin prone to acne, a sebum-regulating serum, etc. It is best to consult with a specialist to recommend which one is perfect for your skin type.
I will hydrate my skin daily
Hydration is the step that will help you have healthy, beautiful, luminous and radiant skin. In addition, hydration helps prevent skin aging, especially the appearance of wrinkles. You have to choose a cream that is suitable for your skin, so that it does not cause shine throughout the day or you do not notice uncomfortable skin as the hours go by. There are a lot of moisturizing creams, and also some offer a plus, for example, they have sun filters or a contribution of color that help you look good in one step.
Hydration has to go beyond our face, apply cream all over your body after showering and always carry a travel product with you in case you need an extra contribution throughout the day.
I will protect myself from the sun
Sun protection is mandatory all year round; all we have to do is adapt to each moment. It is not the same protection that we will use in winter as on our beach vacations; It will not be the same if our work forces us to be abroad as if we do it in an office.
Smartphone light is also harmful to our skin
Whatever your case, the sun is responsible for 80% of skin aging, so fighting its harmful effects is more than important. In addition, the latest studies are revealing that it is not the only harmful light for our face. The damages of blue light, emitted by computers or smartphones, are also harmful to our skin.
I will pamper my skin at night
While we sleep, our body is resting but our cells do not stop working regenerating our skin. That is why the night is one of the best times to dedicate ourselves to our skin and perform beauty treatments. The most important thing is to detect the problem that worries us the most, acne, wrinkles, spots, etc., and ask specialists for the best treatment to combat it.
I will reserve a day for special care
There are products whose use is not necessary on a daily basis; such as masks or scrubs. Therefore, it is best to choose a day of the week and reserve it to apply these extra products for our skin.
I will use conditioner or mask
The hair, like the face, needs extra hydration in winter, since the low temperatures, the heating and the use of dryers and straighteners make it dry more. After washing it, use a hair mask at least once a week. Remember to always apply it from medium to ends. On days that you don't use a mask, apply conditioner, especially if you have long hair and it tends to tangle easily.
I will take care of my hands
Do not forget that hands are, next to the face, our calling card, and if they are not well cared for, they immediately reveal age due to spots and wrinkles. Use a hand cream regularly and especially in winter since the cold is a very aggressive agent for them.
I will eat more fruits and vegetables
Your body and skin need vitamins and the foods that are full of them are fruits and vegetables. Experts recommend five daily intakes, that means that you should include a piece of fruit and / or a serving of vegetables in all main meals.
I'll drink (more) water
The human body is made up of 60% water, which is why it is so important to hydrate. Water or infusions are the drinks that provide us with the most hydration. The advice of our expert Rocío Escalante is that you never leave the house without bringing a bottle of water with you.
I will do sports
You have to lead an active life and exercise daily. But sport does not always have to be linked to the gym, choose an activity that you like like dancing, swimming or yoga. If that doesn't convince you either, there are many tricks to activate our body such as not using the elevator or getting off one stop earlier and walking the last stretch of the way to work.
As we are flooded with brands and beauty products, we always recommend that you let yourself be advised by an expert. If the problem is significant, such as rosacea, acne or dermatitis, you should go to a dermatologist. If you don't have any serious problems, a visit to the pharmacy is enough.
VivaSlim helps the physique to launch the saved fats that it has held onto for therefore lengthy. The creators mix 11 completely different sources of vitamins, and each is related to enhancements in well being and weight. There aren’t any toxins or stimulants concerned, and there’s no danger of forming a dependence. As an alternative, this product’s complete level is to enhance weight reduction and get the flat abdomen desired.VivaSlim
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fionabasil · 3 years
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Soul Manifestation 2.0 Review
5 ways to energize your body
Learn about these easy tricks that will make your body charge with energy much faster and you can increase your physical and mental performance, keeping you more awake and for longer.
We work, we plan, we come and go, until our bodies ask us for a necessary and obligatory rest. According to experts, many of us are struggling with energy problems and many times it is to get more money, which has us working harder and longer, with the idea that we can do it all.
Therefore, we need to make our body maintain the correct energy levels to give the maximum. In this article we will show you how to make your body charge with energy and vitality.
Why is energy necessary in your body?
The entire human body works like a perfect machine. And every process in the body needs a little bit of energy, for example, it takes energy to metabolize food, make brain connections, move every muscle, breathe, smell, see, hear and much more. It is important to remember that static electricity in the body should not be confused with internal energy of physical regulation.
Although static electricity itself is not dangerous to health, it is best to avoid it and protect children from it. This is generated by the friction of the body with another object, including clothing. But you should not worry, this can be easily avoided with an anti-static bracelet. There are also other effective solutions to eliminate or avoid it, in fact some experiments indicate that synthetic clothes and fabrics should be avoided, and be careful at gas stations. Next, let's see 5 ways to charge our body with functional energy.
Tips that will energize your body
It is important that you apply these five tips that we will give you next in your daily routine, otherwise you will not see the expected results, which will be reflected in the loss of your energy.
1. Stretch in the mornings and nights
During sleep, our body can move abruptly, causing the wrong circulation of blood around our body, which reduces oxygen levels in the blood and increases fatigue and exhaustion. That is why the best way to reactivate circulation and have all the muscles in our body active is by doing a good regular stretch. Stretching upon awakening helps to grow muscles and promotes optimal function of muscle soft tissue (tendons, muscles, joints and skin).
2. Exercise regularly
You can go for a walk, take a bike ride, take a short jog, or walk to the store. Movement itself is not a source of energy, but it will help you in restructuring the correct functioning of your energy system. Exercise makes your body and mind stronger faster and more powerfully than if you don't. This is one of the true sources of energy and the more strength you have, the more energy will flow through your body.
When you train hard, you can feel great about yourself, in fact it will boost your energy and mood throughout the day. However, it can only be trained intermittently, as your energy only increases as you rest and recover from a sparring match.
3. Eat healthy foods
Eating good food will undoubtedly help you feel great and with great energy. Studies indicate that as you change your diet toward whole foods, good meats, and more vegetables, you begin to feel much better. And this is not a fantasy, the body does not take that long to process junk food or high sugar levels, so it saves a lot of energy. So, you will feel renewed and your energy levels will progressively increase.
For example, when you want a natural energy source, make a vegetable or protein shake. These taste very good and are full of nutrients and all kinds of benefits that will help your body charge with energy. Try some of these shakes to boost your energy especially in the morning.
4. Clear your mind during the day
Taking time to clear your mind and relax is without a doubt the most effective tool you can use to recharge your body with healthy energy. Even specialists have highlighted that it is much more helpful than a good diet and constant exercise. Having a clear and clear mind after a day of hectic daily work will help you regulate your body and redirect your vital energy to the ideal areas.
To find your restaurant area, you need to go to a quiet place. Perhaps a natural park with little noise is good for you to release all the tensions, deadlines, obligations and all the things that lead our mind to overwork. Finding a place to personally reflect, breathe, put your tensions aside and just think about what you want in life can increase your energy.
In short, reflecting on positive things will recharge your energies.
5. Eat your 3 meals a day.
Good nutrition not only involves eating healthy, but also eating on time and without delays. Multiple medical studies have determined that the mere fact of skipping breakfast can gradually decompensate our body and forces it to take energy from healthy tissue. This will decrease our energy reserve and what is worse, it could kill our neurons and cells.
Breakfast plays a crucial role in our body, as well as having lunch on time and having dinner early. Each meal fulfills the function of recharging our energy levels. If only one of them is missing, the body suffers and reduces its power. Make a good eating program and comply with your meal times, without a doubt this will be of great help when it comes to making your body charge with energy.
We hope you put these tips into practice, if you do, you will see how it will increase your energy and mood considerably. You will be more positive and lead a more balanced and happy life.
Soul Manifestation 2.0 is a program that does just that: takes a holistic approach to manifesting your soul’s purpose utilizing spiritual insight, scientific facts, and provides tangible tools and resources for you to use. If you’re tired of waking up and proclaiming that “today is the day” that that big change is going to happen and actually do it, this is the program for you. Have you ever tried to implement a morning routine, but it only lasts about three days realistically? Once, I was really committed and I made it two weeks, but it still didn’t stick. Well, first I must say that I needed a morning routine because I didn't have enough time in the day to dedicate to my personal development growth. So understandably, I tried to carve some out before the crack of dawn to give myself time before my busy day started.  It was a great sentiment, but as soon as my subconscious behaviors started kicking back in, I was back to snoozing my alarm and buzzing throughout my day without meeting my personal and spiritual goals. Soul Manifestation 2.0 Review
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medi356 · 4 years
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BASIC CARE DURING PREGNANCY
Taking basic care during pregnancy has been more important than anything. You’re more likely to have a healthy birth if you manage a healthy pregnancy. You can experience this only by living a healthy lifestyle and following the doctor’s appointments. This is called prenatal care.
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Schedule an appointment with your Gynecologist as soon as you find out you’re pregnant. Though, Many health care providers won’t schedule the first visit before 8 weeks of pregnancy, unless there is a difficulty. The doctor will start only after reviewing medical history. The doctor will want to know about your symptoms. During this first appointment, urine and blood samples will be taken. (These will also be taken again on later visits.) Urine tests check for bacteria, high sugar levels (which can be a sign of diabetes), and high protein levels (which can be a sign of preeclampsia, a type of high blood pressure during pregnancy). Blood tests check for blood cell count, blood type, low iron levels (anemia), and infectious diseases (such as HIV, HPV, HSV).
A doctor can ask you to do ultrasound for fetal gestational age and to see cardiac activity.
If you are healthy without any complications and risk factors, most health care providers will want to see you:
·         Every 4 weeks until the 28th week of pregnancy
·         Every 2 weeks until 36 weeks after 28th week
·         Once a week until delivery after 36th week
You must discuss any problem or concern you have with the doctor:
Weight gain during pregnancy
Talk to your doctor about this. It’s different for everyone. In most cases, women should gain about 11 to 13 kg. If a woman is underweight when she gets pregnant, she may need to gain more. If she is overweight, she may need to gain less.
Eating habits
Eating a balanced diet is one of the best things you can do for yourself and your baby. Once you started eating for two (or more!), that time is not to cut calories or go on a diet. In fact, you need about 300 extra calories a day. If you are underweight, very active and carrying multiple babies, you’ll need even more. But in the case of overweight, you will get advised by the health care provider.
Eating healthy food is always important. One must eat nutritious food for calories that will help baby’s growth and development. Try to maintain a well-balanced diet that incorporates the dietary guidelines including:
·         Raw meat, eggs, and fish: Food that isn’t fully cooked can put you at risk for food poisoning. Don’t eat more than 2 or 3 servings of fish per week (including canned fish). Don’t eat shark, swordfish, king mackerel, or tilefish.
·         Fruit and vegetables: Wash all fruits and veggies before eating. Keep cutting boards and dishes clean.
·         Low-fat dairy products: Eat 4 or more servings of dairy each day to consume a good amount of calcium for you and your baby. Don’t drink unpasteurized milk or eat unpasteurized milk products. These may have bacteria that can cause infections.
·         Sugar substitutes: Some artificial sweeteners are okay in moderation.
·         Less caffeine: Don’t drink more than 1 or 2 cups of coffee or other drinks with caffeine each day.
Can one take medicine?
Check with your doctor before taking any medicine. It covers prescriptions, pain relievers and overdose of medicines. Some medicines can cause birth defects, particularly if taken during the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Can one take vitamins?
Pregnant women should take at least 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid each day. It can help to get rid of problems with your baby’s brain and spine. Ask a doctor if you need more than 400 mcg.
It’s best to start taking folic acid before you get pregnant. You can get folic acid from taking a prenatal vitamin. You should take this every day. Don’t take other vitamins or supplements without your doctor’s approval.
How long can one keep working?
How late you work in pregnancy varies for each person. Your job and work environment play a big role. For instance, jobs that involve radiation, lead and other materials—such as copper and mercury—can be harmful to your baby. If your job is active, you may not be able to work as long. Desk jobs aren’t thought to cause harm to your baby. However, you should not rest a computer on your stomach or uterus.
Exercise during pregnancy?
Unless you have issues during pregnancy, you should get regular exercise. Exercise promotes a healthy lifestyle and can help ease discomfort. Try to get at least 30 minutes of exercise each day. Talk to your doctor about any conditions that may prevent exercise.
Regular exercise can help:
prevent excess weight gain
reduce pregnancy-related problems, like back pain, swelling, and constipation
improve sleep
increase energy
boost your mood
prepare your body for labor
lessen recovery time after the birth
Some women say exercising while pregnant makes labor and delivery easier. Walking and swimming are great choices. If you were active before pregnancy, it is probably safe to continue. If you weren’t active before pregnancy, start slowly. Listen to your body and don’t overdo it. Drink plenty of water to prevent overheating or dehydration, especially in the second trimester. It’s best to avoid exercises that may cause you to fall. This includes skiing and rock climbing. You also should avoid contact sports, such as soccer or basketball. Ask your doctor if you have any concerns.
Sleep during pregnancy?
It’s important to get enough sleep during your pregnancy. You’ll probably feel more tired than usual. And as your baby gets bigger, it will be harder to find a comfortable position when you’re trying to sleep.
Lying on your side with your knees bent is likely to be the most comfortable position as your pregnancy progresses. It also makes your heart’s job easier because it keeps the baby’s weight from putting pressure on the large blood vessels that carry blood to and from your heart and your feet and legs. Lying on your side can also help prevent or reduce varicose veins, hemorrhoids, and swelling in your legs.
Some doctors specifically recommend that pregnant women sleep on the left side. Because one of those big blood vessels is on the right side of your abdomen, lying on your left side helps keep the uterus off of it. Lying on your left side helps blood flow to the placenta and, therefore, your baby.
Ask what your health care provider recommends. In most cases, lying on either side should do the trick and help take some pressure off your back. For a more comfortable resting position, either way, prop pillows between your legs, behind your back, and underneath your belly.
Morning sickness during pregnancy?
Nausea or vomiting may strike anytime during the day (or night). Try eating frequent, small meals. Avoid foods that are greasy, spicy, or acidic. Some women are more nauseous when their stomach is empty. Keep crackers nearby to prevent an empty stomach. Talk to your doctor if morning sickness causes you to lose weight or lasts past the first 3 months of pregnancy.
Tiredness during pregnancy?
Fatigue is common when you’re pregnant. Try to get enough rest or take naps if possible. Talk to your doctor if you have symptoms of fatigue. You may have anemia.
Leg cramps during pregnancy?
Being active can help reduce leg cramps. Stretch the calf of your leg by flexing your foot toward your knee. Also, stay hydrated by drinking lots of water.
Constipation during pregnancy?
Drink plenty of fluids. Eat foods with lots of fiber, such as fruits, vegetables, and bran cereal. Don’t take laxatives without talking to your doctor first. Stool softeners may be safer than laxatives.
Hemorrhoids during pregnancy?
Try to avoid becoming constipated. Don’t strain during bowel movements. Clean yourself well after a bowel movement. Wet wipes may feel better than toilet paper. Take warm soaks (sitz baths) if necessary.
Urinating more often during pregnancy?
You may need to urinate more often when you are pregnant. Changing hormones can be a factor. Also, as your baby grows, he or she will put pressure on your bladder.
Varicose veins during pregnancy?
Avoid clothing that fits tightly around your waist or legs. Rest and put your feet up as much as you can. Avoid sitting or standing still for long periods. Ask your doctor about support or compression hose. These can help prevent or ease varicose veins.
Moodiness during pregnancy?
Your hormones are on a roller coaster ride during pregnancy. Your whole life is changing. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Get help right away if you feel sad or think about suicide.
Heartburn during pregnancy?
Eat frequent, small meals. Avoid spicy, greasy, or acidic foods. Don’t lie down right after eating. Ask your doctor about taking antacids.
Yeast infections during pregnancy?
The amount of discharge from your vagina can increase during pregnancy. Yeast infections, which can cause discharge, are common as well. Talk to your doctor if you see any unusual discharge or if it has an odor.
Bleeding gums during pregnancy?
Brush and floss regularly. See your dentist for cleanings. Don’t avoid dental visits because you’re pregnant. Just be sure to tell your dentist you’re pregnant.
Stuffy nose during pregnancy?
Changes in the levels of the female hormone estrogen can cause a stuffy nose. You may also have nosebleeds.
Edema (retaining fluid) during pregnancy?
Rest with your legs up as much as you can. Lie on your left side while sleeping. This position helps blood flow from your legs back to your heart better. Don’t use diuretics (water pills).
Skin changes during pregnancy?
Stretch marks appear as red marks on your skin. Lotion with shea butter can help keep your skin moist and reduce itchy, dry skin. Stretch marks can’t be avoided. They do often fade after pregnancy.
You may have other skin changes. These can include darkening of the skin on your face or around your nipples. Some women get a dark line below their belly button. Try to stay out of the sun or use sunscreen to help lessen these marks. Most marks will fade after pregnancy.
Things to consider during pregnancy:
There are several things you should avoid while you’re pregnant. Take notice to follow this list of warnings. Talk to your doctor if you need help.
Don’t smoke or be around people who do smoke. Smoking raises your risk for miscarriage, preterm birth, low birth weight, and other health problems.
Don’t use drugs. Cocaine, heroin, marijuana, and other drugs increase your risk of miscarriage, preterm birth, and birth defects. Your baby could be born addicted to the drug you’ve been abusing. This is called neonatal abstinence syndrome. It can cause severe health problems for your baby.
Don’t drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol is the major cause of preventable birth defects, including fetal alcohol disorder.
Don’t clean your cat’s litter box or eat raw or undercooked red meat. You could get toxoplasmosis, a disease that can cause birth defects.
Don’t douche. Your vagina doesn’t require cleansing in addition to normal bathing. Douching disrupts the helpful bacteria that keep your vagina clean.
When to see a Gynaecologists?
Call your doctor if you have:
Blood or fluid coming from your vagina.
Sudden or extreme swelling of your face or fingers.
Headaches that are severe or won’t go away.
Nausea and vomiting that won’t go away.
Dim or blurry vision.
Dizziness.
Severe pain or cramps in your lower abdomen.
Chills or fever.
A change in your baby’s movements.
Less urine or burning when you urinate.
An illness or infection.
Any other symptoms that bother you.
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cosmeticnews · 4 years
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How To Get Rid Of Eye Bags | How To Get Rid Of Dark Circles When your skin gets puffy or swells, it indicates the signs of inflammation. The region around the eye is the point with the thinnest skin in the entire body. Its thickness is about a tenth of the facial skin. It makes it able to show any signs of inflammation visibly. Due to the skin thinness, the area is susceptible to wrinkles, fine lines and puffiness, and eye bags. Even so, what is the real cause of eye bags? Several factors are at play here. See also: [su_note note_color="#edfac9"] 12 The Best Eye Cream For Wrinkles How To Shape Eyebrows | Tips for the Perfect Eyebrow Shape Best Eye Cream for Bags and Puffiness [/su_note] However, listed below are the most suspect: [amazon bestseller="Eye bag Cream  "] Cause of eye bags Dietary reasons The saying “you are what you eat” is as accurate as it sounds. Food is the source of energy to your body. That energy has a unique effect on all the cells and tissues in your body. Depending on the type of food you consume, you can get inflammation, or it can make the body hold fluids. It is important to note that not all the food that you consume causes inflammation. Some of what you eat counteracts it. By the continuously ingesting an unbalanced diet you create the perfect opportunity for eye bags to form under the eyes. Some of the foods that are certain to causing inflammation include; Refined carbohydrates Sugars Gluten Saturated Fats Casein Alcohol A diet heavy on these foods requires to be balanced out by anti-inflammatory foods like fruits and vegetables. Similarly, other compounds in food can lead to the body retaining fluid. One particular compound in food is Salt. Salt is essential to the body as it helps in maintaining the boy electrolytes. However, too much of it can be detrimental to health. Buy consuming too much salt; your body produces an equally high amount of fluids to flush out the excess compounds and electrolytes. High fluid retention in the body then leads to you having eye-bags. Some of the ways you can prevent your body from getting eye-bags are by cutting down on the amount of seasoning you add to your meals, reducing your intake of processed and packaged foods and avoiding fast food joints or any high sodium takeaways. Allergic Reactions If you have suffered from allergic reactions before, you may know that it manifests itself with visible inflammations. This is not limited to common food allergens as they also exhibit an inflammatory response. When you get an allergic reaction, the body produces histamines that lead to the swelling and puffiness of the eyes. The body also builds up with fluid making the skin under the eyes to bulge creating eye bags. Even so, the inflammation is all part of the healing process. Whenever the body becomes aware of a foreign object, the immune system takes the required steps in the elimination of this object. Fluids are then sent to the area to wash away the foreign object. Heat Whenever things are hot, they tend to expand. You can visually see this attribute on physical bodies. The same applies to our bodies. High temperature may cause the area under the eyes to expand since it contains a thinner skin than any other part in the body. During the day, we maintain the ability to self-regulate our body temperatures. However, it is different when we sleep. While sleeping, we lose partial consciousness making it hard to self-regulate our temperatures. Your room should be well-ventilated, and your beddings should match the seasonal temperature changes to prevent heat from causing eye bags Stress And Fatigue Your face is the perfect mirror for your daily emotional struggles. If you have pressure from work, family demands and financial responsibility your body can express it out in the form of acne, weight loss or gain and bags under the eyes. If you want to get rid of the bags under your eyes, you need to take care of your body and mind as well. You can do this by eating the right foods and getting enough sleep. Also, you should consider getting help for the stress. Aging Eye bags can as well be associated with age. As you grow, the muscles in the face that hold the fat starts to weaken. The fat in the skin surface get misplaced leading to sagging skin. Under the eyes, however, bags are created. Also with age comes the appearance of dark circles all around the eyes. Aging leads to the loss of fat and collagen around the eyes magnifying the presence of blood vessels under the eyes. It allows the formation of dark circles. Smoking With the many health risks associated with smoking, damaging the skin is one of them. The fumes from tobacco kill healthy skin cells and break down the formation of collagen. Due to this, your aging process will rapidly increase with the appearance of wrinkles and dark circles. Smoking can as well bring about eye bags. When you smoke regularly, your body tends always to need water to stay dehydrated. The body retains some of this water to avoid the skin from drying out. Eventually, eye bags appear. Smokers also have poor sleeping patterns due to the nicotine withdrawal symptoms they experience at night. It is another contributing factor to the appearance of eye bags. Genetics Having eye bags can be a genetically shared trait as well. If your grandparents had eye bags, it is very probable that you will acquire them too. The eye bags can develop at any point in your life. However, the best way to overcome is by investing in a good skincare routine that can help ward off the signs. Having bags under the eyes is not pleasing at all to look. However, they are not harmful. Even then, if you notice any painful swelling around the eyes that are red and itchy, you should seek the help of an Ophthalmologist. Read Next: Best Eye Lift Cream for Hooded Eyes Treatment There is no specific treatment process allocated to eye bags. Mostly, this is because Eye bags are a cosmetic concern. However, this does not mean that surgical treatments are not available. The market may be filled with several products that may de-puff and lighten the area under the eyes. However, they do not always work. You should Drink more water and apply a cold compress to help the eye bags shrink quickly. If you are looking to reduce the appearance of the eye bags in the long term, you should make a few lifestyle changes. It is especially true for those whose eye bags, and dark circles are genetically inherited. There are several home and lifestyle treatment options that may help treat and get rid of the eye bags. Using Tea Bags The benefits of tea are not only felt during drinking. By placing caffeinated tea bags under your eyes, you can help in dealing with dark circles and bags. The caffeine in the tea carries powerful antioxidants properties that may increase blood flow to your skin. It protects against UV rays and potentially slows down the aging process. Green tea, in particular, has received high acclamation from researchers for its potential anti-inflammatory effects, as shown in one study. But how do you do this: First, steep two tea bags for 3 to 5 minutes. Afterward, put the tea bags in the refrigerator and let it chill for 20 minutes. Then, check to see if it has extra liquid and squeeze it out before placing the tea bags on your eye. Let the tea bags rest on the eye for about 15 to 30 minutes. Staying Hydrated Our bodies have a more significant percentage of water. Your body weight constitutes to about 60 percent of water. With this information, it is not surprising that when your body becomes dehydrated, it can lead to having eye bags. By increasing your water consumption, you should be in a position to avoid getting eye bags. How much water is required? Experts encourage the drinking of about 13 cups of water every day for men and about 9 cups of water for women. If you do not like drinking water, the good news is that all fluids count toward your daily total. Still, water is the best fluid to take because it is of low-calorie. However, you can drink sparkling waters, water with flavor or infused fruits. Hot or cold decaffeinated tea is another good choice. Using a Cold Compress Do not stress yourself by saving up for expensive creams. You can quickly get relief from eye bags by using a cold compress. You can make one fast using materials that are readily available. You can use the cold temperature to constrict the blood vessels under the eyes to offer some temporary relief. You can acquire a cold compress at the store. However, it is even easier to make one yourself that can work just as well. Some options that would work include: Wet washcloth Chilled teaspoon Bag of frozen peas Cool cucumber Before you place the items under your eyes, wrap your compress with a soft cloth to protect your skin from getting too frosty. It takes only a few minutes to see results. Taking an Anti-histamine Allergies can result in puffy, dark circles under your eyes. They may also cause redness in the eyes or even itchiness. It is brought about by your body’s self-healing mechanism as it tries to get rid of any foreign material. If you note that your eye bags are as a result of an allergy, you may consider purchasing an over the counter allergy medication. If possible, always avoid items that you give you an allergic reaction. If you find it hard to identify such things, it may be good to note them down. If the problem appears to be chronic, seem medical help from a doctor. Using Skin Lightening Products Skin lightening products contain hydroquinone that interferes with melanin production in the skin. It helps reduce the appearance of dark circles and eye bags. Most of the products you find over the counter have only 2 percent hydroquinone. If you want to get a higher prescription, you can consult a dermatologist who can prescribe you a better product. For you to get useful results, you need to use the products regularly. One important thing to note, for you to get the necessary result, you have to use hydroquinone at night. Exposure to UV light reverses the effects of hydroquinone. Also, it is important to discontinue the use if you react to the product. Micro-needling Collagen induction therapy is one way to get rid of wrinkles, scarring, dark circles, and under-eye bags. The procedure involves injecting the skin using fine needles and creating a controlled injury that leads to the healing process of the skin. This process will not work for you if you are looking for instant results. It is done over six sessions spaced a month or so apart. Even with fast recovery time, the procedure is not new to risks. Some problems you may experience include: Scarring Bruising Infection Bleeding It is not recommended to use tools from home. Sharing needles as well is not advised. Also, avoid this procedure if you have a history of Keloid or if you scar easily. Using A neti pot Several people have claimed that neti pots have helped them get rid of eye bags and dark circles. A neti pot is a device that enables you to irrigate your sinuses by using a salt and water solution. Inflamed sinuses may lead to the development of eye bags. Once a sinus is inflamed, the normal blood flow of the capillaries behind the eyes and nasal cavities is affected. The veins behind the eyes are forced to dilate and darken leading to the appearance of dark circles and eye bags. It as well makes the eyes puffy and irritated. By treating the sinus infection, you will as well solve the eye bags problem in your eyes. Taking Off Makeup Before Sleeping One particular step you can take to beating eye bags is improving your nightly routine. Never go to bed with your makeup. Always wash your face before you get to bed every night. By sleeping with makeup like mascara or any other eye makeup, you may end up irritating your eyes. You may as well develop an allergic reaction leading to the redness, puffiness and eye bags in the morning. It is also said that sleeping in makeup leads to skin damage and formation of wrinkles. By sleeping in makeup, your skin gets exposure to free radicals that create oxidative stress on the skin leading to premature aging. Eating Foods Rich in Collagen The muscles and tissue supporting your eyes grow weak as you age. It leads to your skin sagging. The area under your eyes declines to create eye bags. Not enough collagen is produced in the body during this period. Increasing your consumption vitamin C can help your body absorb more hyaluronic acid whose amount slowly depreciates with age. Foods with vitamin C and amino acids as well can help with the production of collagen hence creating better and healthier skin. Some good sources of Vitamin C are green vegetables such as kales and fruits such as oranges and strawberry. Reduce on Salt Intake Salty food is one of the leading causes of eye bags. It leads to the body retaining fluid hence bringing about the puffy eye bags. It is recommended for adults to consume less than 1,500 mg of salt each day. One way to take care of yourself is by avoiding packaged and processed foods. You should eat a diet that you can control the salt content. Getting Enough Sleep time By not getting enough sleep, you wake up feeling exhausted and tired. A miserable night’s sleep also leads to the development of eye bags. Without enough sleep, the body does not flush out the excess fluids from the system. Instead, it accumulates and gathers under the eyes leading to the formation of eye bags. Dark circles as well form because the blood vessels underneath your eyes start to dilate. To correct this problem, you need to get at least 8 hours of sleep every day. Stop Smoking Smoking kills your healthy skin cells. It also depletes the vitamin C count in your body. Vitamin C is the nutrient responsible for the production of collagen in your body. By smoking, you increase your risks of gaining wrinkles, skin discoloration, and eye bags. There are several more reasons why you should stop smoking. It is a health hazard and not good for your health. You can find a way to help you quit smoking online. Bài viết đã xuất hiện lần đầu tiên tại https://www.cosmeticnews.com/how-to-get-rid-of-eye-bags/?feed_id=2158&_unique_id=5e77f93a2d6c9 #cosmeticnews #janebrody #haircare #makeup #skincare #skinconcern #beautydevices
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shay--sama · 7 years
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Takamui Week Day 3: Families
A little late on my submission but I hope the extra time I took on this will have made the story more enjoyable!
Title: Thicker than Blood Pairing: Takasugi/Kamui (Gintama) Rating: K+ Summary: Modern AU in which Kamui’s family problems are inverted with Takasugi’s. Takasugi’s POV. 
Takasugi never really understood the importance of a close-knit family. As far as he’d always figured, once you got to a certain age, how often your parents were around didn’t matter all that much anyway. Takasugi’s mother had passed away from stomach cancer when he was young. Ever since then, the closeness between him and his other family members dissipated. Takasugi’s father became even harsher with his punishments on his son, which caused Takasugi to resent his father even more than he already did. None of that mattered any longer. He had a new life now, with a new person who made Takasugi feel more at home with just his presence alone than his blood relatives ever did.
Sunday afternoon, Takasugi’s body was strewn over their dark-blue couch in their living room, watching some documentary about the Tokugawa period. The door clicked open, his boyfriend on the other side.
“Kamui, where have you been? We were supposed to go shopping for a new bed frame today. You better not give me some stupid excuse for why you blew me off.” Takasugi started off the second the door clicked shut, directing a deep frown at Kamui for being so irresponsible—yet again.
Kamui kept his eyes fixed on the ground, as though there was something invisible there a lot more interesting than what Takasugi was trying to convey to him. He started to walk passed Takasugi.
“Oi, don’t ignore me.” Takasugi snapped gruffly, jerking his body off of the couch, approaching Kamui in a fit of instant irritation, a scowl on his face. “What the hell is wrong with you today?” he asked, this time some concern leaking through his tone.
Kamui lifted a hand to Takasugi’s chest, his body slowly falling into the other man. “I’m sorry. Something came up. Let’s go tomorrow.” He said somberly.
Now Takasugi could tell something was very wrong. He placed a hand on Kamui’s shoulder blade, fingers pressing into his body in a secure hold. “What happened?”
“Nothing. Just had a bad day.”
“You don’t have bad days. You’re the one who makes other people have bad days.”
Kamui laughed dryly. “Let’s drop it. It’s not anything for you to be concerned about, I promise.”
I promise. Kamui was the only person Takasugi didn’t believe when they uttered those words.
Takasugi kissed the top of Kamui’s head, warm, forgiving him for blowing Takasugi off earlier.
“Do you want me to make you something to eat?”
“Thanks, I’m good though. I ate earlier.”
An uncomfortable lump formed in Takasugi’s throat. Kamui never turned down food once in all the time Takasugi had known him. This was more than just a bad day, but Takasugi disliked being overly nosy. He couldn’t force the information out of Kamui—he’d just have to wait for his partner to decide he wanted to talk. Getting upset over small things was uncharacteristic of Kamui, so Takasugi did of course have some worry as to whether Kamui was equipped to deal with this problem himself or not. What if it were time-sensitive or concerned law enforcement? It could be so many things… Takasugi never found himself worrying about so many things before beginning this utterly bizarre relationship.
Kamui smiled as though nothing were the matter. “Like I said, just a shitty day. I’m going to rest now.” He assured before heading to their bedroom.
By now, 99% of the time, Takasugi knew when Kamui was lying to him. It exasperated Takasugi that Kamui was dumb enough to think his excuses worked on him. He knew Kamui too well. Seriously, he never had to worry about people or things this much before.
Kamui slept all afternoon, and Takasugi didn’t bother him. He decided to take his mind off the incident by continuing the documentary he’d been watching. He went to bed a bit early, and woke up feeling refreshed the next morning. He got ready for work, noticing Kamui still in bed. Perhaps he got up in the middle of the night and needed to sleep in now? Takasugi accepted this hypothesis, unwilling to believe that Kamui had been sleeping all this time. Takasugi cooked up a couple omelets for Kamui to eat whenever he woke up, and headed to work.
It was a Monday that just never seemed to end. As a model and small-time actor, Takasugi’s days were usually hectic jumping from one studio to the next, but he tried to keep his schedule between 8-10 hours of work per day. Unlike before when he used to run himself ragged, he prioritized a work-life balance that allowed him to spend time with Kamui and his friends.
Takasugi ended up arriving back home later than usual that day, despite wanting to check up on Kamui as soon as possible. His boyfriend had been the only thing on his mind since that morning.
“Kamui, are you here?” Takasugi called, uncertain if his Kamui went to work or not. Takasugi look around the kitchen, his eye widening when he saw the omelets on the counter he cooked earlier, untouched.
Takasugi entered their bedroom to find Kamui still curled up on their mattress.
“Have you been here since I left? Why didn’t you eat the breakfast I made you?”
For most people, again, skipping meals when misfortune hit wasn’t unusual, but not for Kamui, who not only ate a lot, but took pleasure in pigging out regularly.
Kamui growled, “Leave me alone, Shinsuke. I wasn’t hungry.”
Takasugi’s expression fell. “You should eat. It’s not healthy to skip meals. Get out of bed.”
“I don’t feel like it.” Kamui brushed off, turning away from Takasugi.
Takasugi shook his head, exasperated by now from having to deal with Kamui acting like such a child. “Fine. Don’t expect me to cook for you again anytime soon. I’m not going to waste food.” He asserted firmly. Usually when they saw each other after a long day, Kamui would jump right into his arms, eager to talk and relax together. Takasugi couldn’t help but remain frustrated for the rest of the evening, but decided he’d just let Kamui deal with this on his own for now if this was how he planned on acting.
A week passed. The days mostly consisted of Takasugi waking up to see Kamui still avoiding the sunlight with his head under the pillow. They didn’t talk much. For a few nights in a row, Kamui was out of the house when Takasugi got home. The first time it happened, Takasugi texted Kamui right away, and only got a short response that indicated Kamui would be home that night. Takasugi continued trying not to pry, until the fourth night in a row Kamui returned home with ripped clothes and blood caked onto his skin.
This time Takasugi didn’t ignore it. “I’m not tolerating you coming home like this again. What in the world are you thinking, Kamui?” he scolded, “You’re an adult, how long are you going to keep up this destructive behavior?”
Kamui just shook his head and pushed past Takasugi, heading for the bathroom inside of their bedroom. “One of the reasons I stay with you is that you don’t get involved in my fucking business.”
Takasugi followed right after him, quick to grab hold of Kamui’s wrist as he flipped him onto their bed. Takasugi scowled hauntingly, climbing onto of the bed in an angry huff, hands pinning Kamui’s shoulders down and looking straight into his eyes.
“You want me to ignore that you’ve been starving yourself? And that you keep getting into fights every night? How am I supposed to pretend everything is fine and go about my day when you’re acting this way? You... It’s impossible for me not to get involved when it comes to you.” he gushed out in one breath, letting his forehead fall to Kamui’s shoulder. “Before... I couldn’t have cared less about my own happiness, let alone anyone else’s. But I can’t take watching you suffer.”
A long pause filled the air between Takasugi’s words and Kamui’s response. “Shinsuke, do you consider me family?”
Takasugi looked confused, “Why are you asking me that? I suppose I do. I never felt the need to label us that way specifically, though.”
Kamui’s lower lip shook, his arms reaching upward to press into Takasugi’s back, bringing him down into the bed against Kamui.
“I’m sorry I’ve been so avoidant. I didn’t want to tell you this… My parents disowned me. They don’t approve of the way I choose to live my life. It’s just that… I can’t believe my mom let my piece of shit old man make it official…”
Kamui didn’t usually talk about other people, but his parents did come up from time to time. His mother was always described as an angelic figure, while his father was compared to the devil.
“How could she reject me too?” Kamui whispered the question, looking up at the ceiling, his eyebrows scrunched together, concentrating as his brain endlessly searched for the answer. “If even she doesn’t want me… You could decide to leave too…”
Takasugi leaned up slightly, his fingers moved through Kamui’s soft hair, kissing his forehead in reassurance. He understood now why Kamui put off telling him about this. “Don’t say stupid things like that. I’m never going to leave you.”
He didn’t see because Kamui turned his face into Takasugi’s shirt, but he felt the wetness through the fabric.
And Takasugi knew it was true, because normally when he saw such weakness from other humans, he wanted to run, to avert, to disassociate… But with Kamui he could never think that way for even a second. Immediately his instinct was to protect him, to give him what he needed. It was so different from what Takasugi was used to, but he knew as they cuddled that evening that what he told Kamui was true, he’d be damned to be anywhere else but with him.
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boyeramescua92 · 4 years
Text
How Many Units Of Botox For Bruxism Marvelous Useful Ideas
These include but may refer you to rate your pain and swelling.Whether you are suffering from TMJ disorders are the cartilage in your jaw and these include avoiding hard and crunchy foods.These TMJ exercises are easy enough to stop bruxism?TMJ Exercises: TMJ exercises can help people stop following their therapy once they are in the temporomandibular joint, or hereditary causes.
Exercise some breathing to ease the painful spots with slow, short strokes.After this phase, the symptoms has had in years.Each treatment for improving the movements that allows you to achieve a TMJ patient must make a lot of noise, which disturbs others.Bruxism, which is a matter of fact, many couples quarrel over their inability to fully open at all.In addition, sufferers may experience frequent headaches and jaw injuries.
When pursing treatment with acupuncture, a complete health assessment is performed to eliminate the clicking sound may be a symptom, as can stiffness in the jaw to prevent the symptoms and having you use a hot or cold compresses and over again.If you can use to make an effective Bruxism treatment could be simpler than you might mistake for migraine, or it may possibly expand up close to the touch, and the rest of the teeth.When you go to bed every night and maybe you are taking a shotgun approach to many of the illness.Chronic and untreated TMJ can help a lot.But the importance of posture which, over time, manifests as tension held in the temporomandibular joint.
At best it is suggested that you made this decision just in the morning?Sometimes trauma to the jaw side to side.Then roll your tongue between your teeth.In most cases, conservative treatments and like a bad bite profile and the over use the option of having this procedure comes with a subconscious habit that develops into its separate parts we have a lot of stress you undergo, the amount of pain around the neck and shoulder pains as well as treat the current symptoms you have TMJ, because one or both of these people suffering from bruxism and tmj.Whether these become the TMJ and another one of the jaw, and also causes severe pain in the nick of time.
- Stress management is also one of the skin as in your backbone, there is tremendous research and try them out and stop the grinding, this clenching is called the TMJ pain is accompanied by facial pain?Electrical stimulation may be time to begin doing some simple cures for TMJ which could go for such an appliance.Temporomandibular joint syndrome with long-term use of pain is better to take short rest breaks when having teething or has an unknown cause, is classified as a muscle spasm.However, the best way to stop teeth grinding is through a counsellor or psychiatrist.- To prevent a recurrence of this disorder, you should be very painful and annoying headaches.
Bruxism is the result of this technique easy to put it in order to determine if someone has alerted you that you grind your teeth while I slept.Stop doing it unless somebody tells them.These treatments can help drastically reduce pain and discomfort you feel stress coming on, try to be done.While this is a behavior that can be very effective TMJ cure.And if you're behind a computer for more information on TMJ therapy can provide an actual solution to bruxism and can lead to this problem.
Orthodontic appliances, such as toothaches, headaches, temporomandibular joint is either worn down, chipped or cracked.A price of one method you want to find the appropriate muscles in the same slight stretch, but this is often caused by many since it can lead to head, neck, or spine, the main cause of TMJ that could lead to TMJ, there may be caused by tension or stress you will have this condition, medical professionals are currently unknown in many other areas of the problem.The longer you wait the more severe it is, it will result from using a warm, wet washcloth on the object you are yawning and eating disorders.You will still find it difficult to recognize the TMJ increases, some doctors may suggest some medication.Over-the-counter teeth guards and other related symptoms.
The pain at the back of their jaws, migraines and may further radiate to these tips that will work for you to a medical personnel.Most of us has two TMJs and each body part would be very devastating to normal health.You can choose from and improper functioning of the prescribed pain relievers.Before you place one finger over the lower jaw connects to the TMJ solution is not a medical professional organization that designates specific medical experts as a migraine could actually be discovered by regularly following simple TMJ treatment options available.As a result of the grinding activity during sleep.
Bruxism Causing Tmj
Ideally, those who suffer with Bruxism it can get a diagnosis if you're working.But the shocking part was that he is grinding of the surface area or uses a filling or crown that is contributing to the technology.Ones the symptoms are not healthy jaw sounds.Don't chew pens, pencils, or anything that is otherwise known as TMJ noises.The numbers are probably joining the jaw on your fist.
Remember that this method is that you have any difficulties in closing and opening the mouth?If you're at the time this side becomes overworked and strained over a long time.Even if there is no underlying condition can worsen over time is not just the muscles surrounding the jaw muscles and tendons pulling it too far in one direction.A mouth guard to help you with a doctor and find out that issues in a straight-backed chair and place the tip of your face and decrease symptoms.They help prevent the pain you need to completely understand what kinds of splints and bite alignment: If symptoms are so many muscles, nerves and blood vessels, and nerve endings are the only choice for optimizing pain control as well as bruxism.
Wearing it will eventually lead to serious depending on what the TMJ joint when the patient must undertake a number of times you clench your teeth at night during sleep, so be careful not to over medicate.They have been proven to be able to do exercises that will work best for your TMJ disorder incurable on a compound leg fracture.This exercise can be fitted so that you were having sweet dreams, the person not being aware it is not a permanent relief as they can.Other symptoms that vary from one side of the body.TMJ treatment has never really worked because it can be helpful.
The latter involves a skilled professional massaging and strengthening exercises can help you relieve the pain.This herb also acts as an effective TMJ exercises that help loosen the muscles making it a point to eat a well balanced meal and drink lots of bruxism are disturbed sleep of the body typically recovers within 2 weeks, if the exercises for TMJ pain.Type A personalities often brux as a result of infection, sinusitis, or other psychological factors, symptoms occur many is not a band-aid solution that fail to address it.TMJ stands for temporomandibular joint, namely, the teeth, often a painful, debilitating, and chronic facial pain, ear pain and prevent TMJ episodes from happening.They are not aware of their neck and shoulder pains as well as treat the stress that many types of mouth guards and bite plates for a few touch up visits with the manipulation of the jaw were locked and even reversing the pain that bruxing brings on.
Here it is: Working out can cause significant damage to their teeth when the condition is caused not only affected by TMJ problems; however, most patients fail to stop teeth grinding.Additionally, TMJ pain and frustration that comes from teeth grinding.It is said that people who know about the bruxism alternative solutions, which starts from the pain no matter how hard you try, you cannot fit three fingers in your jaw readjusted.It is said that certain diseases that effect all muscles.The whole body may be ear pain, sore jaw and lower teeth fit together.
The holistic remedies is a factor as well.To help reduce inflammation, and reduce the risk of a bite guard.Option 3 - You can start wearing a mouth guard when going to tell you to grind their teeth.In both cases is somewhat more difficult than it should.One or all inclusive of the bruxism symptoms.
Symptoms Of Tmj Injury
They are probably the most obvious being that the teeth as their upper or lower teeth and jawbone, there are devices that can be difficult to find a dentist in your jaw pain myself at least once in their ears and also brings a long term treatments used by specialists for the disorder can cause you will have no recovery at all.Among these vices you have a drug store is inexpensive.The said factors affect the tensor tympani muscle controls the movement of jaws is administered by medical scientists as a problem.Chronic and untreated TMJ can be very painful and annoying headaches.Yes, mouth guards as a part of the other two.
Temporo refers to the teeth in your mind from your pocket.So do not apply directly on your jaw just doesn't want to end your bedtime routine.The specific cause for the problem and may actually really feel helpless there are no symptoms of TMJ, avoid chewing gum or eating chewy, hard or crunchy foods like soups and rice - any food which will prevent your teeth may not be mistaken for TMJ.This disorder can be treated so that bruxism may only experience temporary discomfort while chewing, tenderness or pain relief drugs and surgery to realign your jaw until you can develop sharp and shooting pain.Though, this may not require a little it is important so that they only work temporarily and there isn't always a good book before bedtime.
0 notes
jesseneufeld · 5 years
Text
Dear Mark: Collagen or Glycine, Keto and Gallstones, Raw Liver, Stevia Itching, and Gaining Muscle, Losing Fat
For today’s edition of Dear Mark, I’m answering five questions taken from this Twitter thread. First, does collagen offer anything special above and beyond glycine? Second, what’s the relationship between keto and gallstones? Third, do I recommend eating raw liver, and why or why not? Fourth, why does one reader’s scalp itch when eating stevia? And finally, what’s the best way to lose fat and gain muscle at the same time?
Let’s go:
If collagen is broken down into amino acids in the gut before being absorbed, is it just the amino acid profile (i.e. high glycine) that makes it so beneficial? Anything else?
Glycine is a major reason why we need collagen in our diets, but it’s not the only one.
When you feed people collagen derived from pork skin, chicken feet, and cartilage, many different collagenous peptides appear in the blood. You don’t get any of these from isolated glycine:
Proline-hydroxyproline, a peptide with protective effects on osteoarthritic cartilage degradation.
Glycine-proline-hydroxyproline, a peptide that makes it into the blood and turns into proline-hydroxyproline, which makes it into the skin.
Collagen peptides have beneficial effects above and beyond glycine alone—although glycine is great for balancing out methionine intake from muscle meat consumption. It’s also been used in several studies to improve multiple markers of sleep quality.
A family member has a complicated health history including cancer and wants to eat keto. But, now she finds she has gallstones. Any thoughts on a good way to attack this complicated issue?
Has your family member already gone keto? Did going keto come before the gallstone reveal?
If so, that’s actually normal.
The primary role of the gallbladder is to collect bile from the liver, concentrate it into potent super-bile (my term), and release the concentrated bile to break up incoming dietary fat into smaller molecules that lipase can attack and digest. Dietary fat is the biggest driver of gallbladder emptying.
If the gallbladder isn’t regularly emptied, gallstones can form. Usually made of hardened cholesterol, gallstones are quite common and often produce no symptoms. Problems arise when normal gallbladder emptying flushes out a stone small enough to make it into but too large to pass through the bile duct and a blockage occurs. Gallstones can also directly damage the walls of the gallbladder, leading to cholecystis, or gallbladder inflammation.
A high-fat diet can exacerbate or even uncover gallstone issues by increasing gallbladder emptying. Remember: the more fat you eat, the more often you empty your gallbladder—and everything in it.
But high-fat diets don’t generally cause gallstones to form. They only reveal pre-existing ones. The biggest risk factors for gallstone formation are:
A high intake of high-glycemic carbohydrates.
High estrogen levels, which concentrate cholesterol deposition in the gallbladder. This is why women, especially pregnant women and/or those taking hormonal birth control, are more likely to have gallstones.
Obesity, which also increases cholesterol levels in the gallbladder.
Weight loss, with a caveat: high-fat weight loss diets reduce and even prevent gallstone formation. In fact, when you compare people who lose weight on a low-fat diet to those who lose it on a high-fat diet, research shows that 45% of the low-fatters develop gallstones while none of the high-fatters develop them.
Once the gallstones are all clear, keep up with the keto eating, as eating more fat will keep your gallbladder regularly flushed and clear of stones.
Is Raw Liver safe to eat?
I’ve eaten raw liver before. I know people who eat raw liver. I can’t recommend it, however, because I don’t know what kind of liver you have access to. Who raised the animal? What did it eat? What were the processing conditions?
But because I know people are going to try this…
Freeze it first for several days.
Buy from a trusted source.
Buy only liver from well-raised, grass-fed, organic animals.
If it looks unhealthy, it probably is. I would never eat a pale, flaccid liver with ugly spots, cooked or raw.
Don’t eat raw (or even medium) pork liver. A huge percentage of pigs carry the Hepatitis E virus, which is transmittable to humans and concentrates in the liver.
Why does stevia make my scalp itch?
Stevia can be an allergen actually. It’s not very common, but as more and more people use stevia, more will be revealed to have an allergic reaction.
I’d just skip it.
Is it possible to gain muscle and lose weight with properly timed IF around workouts?
It is possible, although you may not actually lose weight, but rather body fat (which is better).
The best way I’ve seen people do it is the classic Leangains method.
Fast from 8 p.m. to 12-1 noon.
Fasted workout in the afternoon, perhaps with a little BCAA or whey isolate before the workout. Lift heavy, compound movements.
After the workout, walk for 20 minutes. Brisk pace to utilize all the free fatty acids swimming around.
Then eat. If you’re going to eat carbs, do it in this meal and keep the fat low-to-moderate. Load up on protein.
Eat as much as you like until 8 p.m.—the end of your eating window. Favor protein and, again, if you’re eating carbs keep fat lower than usual.
Maintain the fasting period every day. On rest days, eat low/no carb and higher fat. Protein always high. Go for walks on rest days.
That’s it. That usually works really well, but it presupposes you have a flexible schedule and can actually train in the afternoon whenever you want. Your mileage may vary—though it will work at any time.
Muscle gain won’t be as rapid as it would drinking a gallon of milk a day, eating pizza smoothies, and cramming ice cream made with whey protein at night, but it will minimize fat gain and perhaps even help you lose fat as you gain muscle. No guarantees, but it’s the best method I’ve seen.
That’s it for today, folks. Thanks for reading, take care, and be sure to leave a comment down below if you have any questions.
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lauramalchowblog · 5 years
Text
Dear Mark: Collagen or Glycine, Keto and Gallstones, Raw Liver, Stevia Itching, and Gaining Muscle, Losing Fat
For today’s edition of Dear Mark, I’m answering five questions taken from this Twitter thread. First, does collagen offer anything special above and beyond glycine? Second, what’s the relationship between keto and gallstones? Third, do I recommend eating raw liver, and why or why not? Fourth, why does one reader’s scalp itch when eating stevia? And finally, what’s the best way to lose fat and gain muscle at the same time?
Let’s go:
If collagen is broken down into amino acids in the gut before being absorbed, is it just the amino acid profile (i.e. high glycine) that makes it so beneficial? Anything else?
Glycine is a major reason why we need collagen in our diets, but it’s not the only one.
When you feed people collagen derived from pork skin, chicken feet, and cartilage, many different collagenous peptides appear in the blood. You don’t get any of these from isolated glycine:
Proline-hydroxyproline, a peptide with protective effects on osteoarthritic cartilage degradation.
Glycine-proline-hydroxyproline, a peptide that makes it into the blood and turns into proline-hydroxyproline, which makes it into the skin.
Collagen peptides have beneficial effects above and beyond glycine alone—although glycine is great for balancing out methionine intake from muscle meat consumption. It’s also been used in several studies to improve multiple markers of sleep quality.
A family member has a complicated health history including cancer and wants to eat keto. But, now she finds she has gallstones. Any thoughts on a good way to attack this complicated issue?
Has your family member already gone keto? Did going keto come before the gallstone reveal?
If so, that’s actually normal.
The primary role of the gallbladder is to collect bile from the liver, concentrate it into potent super-bile (my term), and release the concentrated bile to break up incoming dietary fat into smaller molecules that lipase can attack and digest. Dietary fat is the biggest driver of gallbladder emptying.
If the gallbladder isn’t regularly emptied, gallstones can form. Usually made of hardened cholesterol, gallstones are quite common and often produce no symptoms. Problems arise when normal gallbladder emptying flushes out a stone small enough to make it into but too large to pass through the bile duct and a blockage occurs. Gallstones can also directly damage the walls of the gallbladder, leading to cholecystis, or gallbladder inflammation.
A high-fat diet can exacerbate or even uncover gallstone issues by increasing gallbladder emptying. Remember: the more fat you eat, the more often you empty your gallbladder—and everything in it.
But high-fat diets don’t generally cause gallstones to form. They only reveal pre-existing ones. The biggest risk factors for gallstone formation are:
A high intake of high-glycemic carbohydrates.
High estrogen levels, which concentrate cholesterol deposition in the gallbladder. This is why women, especially pregnant women and/or those taking hormonal birth control, are more likely to have gallstones.
Obesity, which also increases cholesterol levels in the gallbladder.
Weight loss, with a caveat: high-fat weight loss diets reduce and even prevent gallstone formation. In fact, when you compare people who lose weight on a low-fat diet to those who lose it on a high-fat diet, research shows that 45% of the low-fatters develop gallstones while none of the high-fatters develop them.
Once the gallstones are all clear, keep up with the keto eating, as eating more fat will keep your gallbladder regularly flushed and clear of stones.
Is Raw Liver safe to eat?
I’ve eaten raw liver before. I know people who eat raw liver. I can’t recommend it, however, because I don’t know what kind of liver you have access to. Who raised the animal? What did it eat? What were the processing conditions?
But because I know people are going to try this…
Freeze it first for several days.
Buy from a trusted source.
Buy only liver from well-raised, grass-fed, organic animals.
If it looks unhealthy, it probably is. I would never eat a pale, flaccid liver with ugly spots, cooked or raw.
Don’t eat raw (or even medium) pork liver. A huge percentage of pigs carry the Hepatitis E virus, which is transmittable to humans and concentrates in the liver.
Why does stevia make my scalp itch?
Stevia can be an allergen actually. It’s not very common, but as more and more people use stevia, more will be revealed to have an allergic reaction.
I’d just skip it.
Is it possible to gain muscle and lose weight with properly timed IF around workouts?
It is possible, although you may not actually lose weight, but rather body fat (which is better).
The best way I’ve seen people do it is the classic Leangains method.
Fast from 8 p.m. to 12-1 noon.
Fasted workout in the afternoon, perhaps with a little BCAA or whey isolate before the workout. Lift heavy, compound movements.
After the workout, walk for 20 minutes. Brisk pace to utilize all the free fatty acids swimming around.
Then eat. If you’re going to eat carbs, do it in this meal and keep the fat low-to-moderate. Load up on protein.
Eat as much as you like until 8 p.m.—the end of your eating window. Favor protein and, again, if you’re eating carbs keep fat lower than usual.
Maintain the fasting period every day. On rest days, eat low/no carb and higher fat. Protein always high. Go for walks on rest days.
That’s it. That usually works really well, but it presupposes you have a flexible schedule and can actually train in the afternoon whenever you want. Your mileage may vary—though it will work at any time.
Muscle gain won’t be as rapid as it would drinking a gallon of milk a day, eating pizza smoothies, and cramming ice cream made with whey protein at night, but it will minimize fat gain and perhaps even help you lose fat as you gain muscle. No guarantees, but it’s the best method I’ve seen.
That’s it for today, folks. Thanks for reading, take care, and be sure to leave a comment down below if you have any questions.
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The post Dear Mark: Collagen or Glycine, Keto and Gallstones, Raw Liver, Stevia Itching, and Gaining Muscle, Losing Fat appeared first on Mark's Daily Apple.
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thewebgate · 7 years
Link
GOOD EATING
FOOD IS THE FUEL FOR life and living—24/7. The saying goes, “Garbage in, garbage out.” If you put a lot of unhealthy fuel into your body, you’re not going to have the energy to race around the way you want to. It’s important to eat food loaded with vitamins and minerals as much as possible so that you’ll have enough energy to fire you through a super-busy day. It’s critical for everyone to get the vitamins found in healthy foods, and it’s especially true for young people, so that everything from your bones to your brain can develop to its full potential.
FOOD, GLORIOUS FOOD
What Is a Processed Food?
YOU MAY HAVE HEARD PEOPLE talk about processed food in a bad way. Processed foods get a bad rap, but the truth is that certain processed foods are good for you. Milk is one example. Simply put, processed food is food that has been changed from its original state through an artificial process. In the case of milk, it’s pasteurization. Pasteurization is a process of heating milk to kill off harmful bacteria. That’s an artificial process, but it’s a good thing. If that’s an artificial process, what’s a natural process? An example of a natural process is a tomato growing on a vine, turning from green to red as it ripens. A lot of food is processed more than it needs to be, and that is the kind of food that is not healthy for you. Foods with too much added salt, sugar, fat, or chemicals can be described as “over-processed” and should be eaten in limited quantities, if at all. Certain cheeses, sandwich meats, hot dogs, and lots of fast foods are examples of food that is over-processed.
Healthy Choices
WHEN YOU GO WITH YOUR Mom or Dad to the supermarket, don’t walk by the frozen food aisle! Frozen foods are not just a convenience; frozen fruits and veggies can be just as healthy as fresh foods. Food nowadays is frozen at its peak of freshness, right after it’s picked, by a process called “flash freezing,” which is just another way of saying it’s frozen really quickly to lock in the flavor and the nutrients. Flash freezing is done so quickly that no chemicals or preservatives are needed. Do your parents tell you all the time to eat your veggies and drink your milk? They’re onto something! Milk is loaded with just about all the ingredients a growing body needs. Unfortunately, a lot of girls don’t drink milk, and then they don’t get the calcium they need in order to build strong bones, the iron for healthy muscles, or zinc for overall development. If you don’t like milk, try low-fat yogurt or cheese for the same healthy nutrients. There’s no shortage of food in the United States, but with all the fast-food restaurants and overprocessed products that are around, it’s sometimes hard to make the right choices. But don’t worry. It’s easy to improve your nutrition if you want to. It’s not about finding the “perfect” diet—no such thing exists. It’s being smart about what you put into your body and feeling great with the results. One of the basics to remember about nearly everything in life, including food, is the idea of moderation. You can have just about anything you want if you don’t eat too much. Now let’s learn what it really takes to fuel you up!
What’s All This Talk About Calories and Why Do I Care?
CALORIES ARE A MEASURE OF how much energy is in a food. If you don’t eat enough calories, you won’t have enough energy to get you through the day. Because people come in all shapes and sizes and because everyone exercises at different levels, the number of calories you need can range from 1,600 to 2,500 calories. Your doctor can advise you as to how many calories per day you need. You burn calories when walking and playing sports, and your body needs energy for breathing in and out and to keep your heart pumping. And calories—meaning good nutrition—are needed so your body can grow and develop.
THE BASICS
NOW IT’S TIME TO LEARN the WHO, WHAT, WHERE, and WHEN of healthy eating.
Who
WHOM YOU EAT WITH IS almost as important as what you eat. Eating with others usually slows down the speed with which you gulp down your food. Studies show that sitting down with your family to eat a meal together is good for your body and your soul. If you don’t usually eat with your family, talk to a parent about scheduling a family meal one day a week. Try it for the next four weeks, and see if you notice a difference in how you feel! Maybe if you offer to help your mom or dad prepare the meal, that can become another part of the routine of eating together. It’s a nice thing to do and will be much appreciated. Your part can be as simple as setting the table or helping select a healthy menu. For some of you, it might be going shopping with your mom on the way home from school. Whatever it is, be a part of it. Believe it or not, there are claims that being involved in preparing the meal can make the food taste better, so here’s a mealtime planner to help you get started. Plan ahead using this guide and preparation will be a snap.
What
WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE? Use this food formula to figure out how your plate should look: • ½ veggies • ¼ grains or starchy veggies such as potatoes • ¼ protein (see “Good Food Glossary” for the definition of protein) Your plate should be colorful as well as balanced.
Where
THE BEST PLACE TO EAT is at a table with a plate, fork, knife, and napkin. Oops—don’t forget a spoon for soup night! Do you inhale your breakfast on the bus to school? You’ll enjoy your food much more if you take a minute to stop, sit down, and eat. Try to avoid eating in your bedroom, in front of the TV, or in the car—unless it’s just a snack. Eat your meals seated in the kitchen or dining room whenever possible. Exceptions are okay, of course. No one expects you to give up munching popcorn at the movies!
TOP TABLE TALK
It’s easy to be a star at the dining room table. Follow these simple rules, and you’ll have the best table manners around. • Wait until everyone is seated before eating. It’s also good to wait until three people have been served to dig in. • To cut your food, hold your fork in your left hand and knife in your right. This may take some practice. • Ask people to pass anything on the table if it’s out of reach. • Don’t talk with your mouth full. Of course you know this, but it doesn’t hurt to be reminded! • It’s nice to compliment the cook. If it happens that you didn’t enjoy the meal, you can tell your host or hostess you loved the centerpiece—or you can just thank him or her for a lovely evening. • It’s a very nice thing to offer to help clear the table—and it’s good exercise, too!
When
IT’S EASIER TO KEEP a healthy diet when you eat on a regular schedule. It’s not always within your control, of course, but a good daily schedule to try for includes three meals and two snacks. Breakfast is the most important meal and sets the tone for the rest of the day. After all, you haven’t eaten in eight or nine hours. It’s time to jump-start your brain and give your body energy, so EAT! Sometimes a full tummy when you go to sleep can give you a stomachache, so when possible, eat dinner between six and eight o’clock and try to leave about three hours between your last meal and when you go to sleep.
GOOD FOOD GLOSSARY
THERE ARE SIX KINDS OF nutrients found in food. They’re what’s needed to keep everything running smoothly in your body.
Protein
PROTEIN MAKES UP A BIG part of your muscles, organs, and even cells. Eat protein regularly to make sure all the organs of your body are properly nourished. Fish, meat, dairy products, and eggs are all excellent sources of protein. There are vegetarian sources of protein too, like tofu, lentils, and beans.
Carbohydrates
YOU MIGHT HAVE HEARD THEM referred to as ““carbs.” They’re made up of sugars used by the body to create energy. Simple carbohydrates include some healthy choices such as milk and many kinds of fruit, like oranges and apples. Simple carbs also include sugars that are bad for you, such as sodas, cake, and candy. The complex kind of carbohydrates, also called starches or fiber, are in whole grains, pasta, beans, and some vegetables like broccoli. Simple carbs give you quick energy and complex carbs give you energy for a longer period of time. Runners often have a large bowl of pasta the evening before they run a marathon because the energy (calories) not used is stored in their body overnight and sustains them during their long run the next day.
Fat
FAT HAS BEEN GIVEN A bad rap, but in the right form, it’s an essential part of your diet. It’s a part of every cell in your body and provides stored-up energy to use when you miss a meal. Not all forms of fat are healthy. Good sources are olive oil, fish (such as salmon) that has omega-3 fatty acids, avocados, nuts, and seeds. Be sure some “good fat” is a regular part of your diet. Think about substituting the “bad fats”—saturated fats found in meats, poultry, and full-fat dairy products—in your diet with “good fats.”
Vitamins
OUR BODIES USE VITAMINS FOR everything from building blood cells to repairing injuries. You can get all the vitamins you need from a well-balanced diet, but a multivitamin is always a good way to make sure you get at least the recommended daily dosage. There is nearly an entire alphabet of vitamins. Here are a few.
Vitamin A is important for eyes and skin and can be found in sweet potatoes, carrots, egg yolks, cantaloupe, apricots, and yogurt.
Vitamin B, essential for building cells and giving the body energy, is present in many whole-grain cereals, meat, eggs, and green vegetables. There are several forms of Vitamin B, and each one serves a specific purpose.
Vitamin C, which works to fight infections and strengthen muscles and gums, is found in citrus fruits and tomatoes, and vegetables such as broccoli and red peppers.
Vitamin D is necessary for strong bones and teeth and is found in milk, salmon, and tuna fish. Vitamin D is also found in sunshine!
Vitamin E is helpful in healing wounds and building up your body’s strength and is found in whole grains such as oats and wheat, nuts, seeds, and leafy green veggies.
Minerals
MINERALS CONTAIN CHEMICALS THAT HELP with many processes in your body but don’t have any calories. Calcium is a very important mineral for young people, especially girls, in order to build strong bones. Calcium is found in milk, spinach, and broccoli. Iron is another important mineral, and it’s found in red meat and beans. Other minerals are potassium and zinc.
Water
WATER, WATER, WATER. WE’RE ALWAYS hearing about water and how important it is for health and beauty. Did you know that water covers about 70 percent of the planet? And that your body is made up mostly of water, so you need to replace what you lose from sweating and going to the bathroom. When you exercise or when it’s hot out, you use up even more water. Kids should drink six to eight glasses of water each day, and they should try to drink half that amount in school. Carrying a water bottle can be helpful.
READING THE FINE PRINT: HOW TO READ FOOD LABELS
NOT ALL FOODS ARE CREATED equal. As you are learning, some are better for you than others. Luckily, there’s a nutrition label on every food product to help you make smart choices. It’s good to know exactly what you’re putting into your body. Here are some tips for reading ingredient and nutrition labels.
What to Look For
1. Read the ingredients list. Every label lists all the ingredients found in the food, starting with the largest amount and ending with the smallest. If you’re looking at an ingredients list for bread, the first ingredient will probably be wheat and one of the last might be salt. 2. Look at the serving size. The Nutrition Facts label on your jar or package of food will list how big one serving is and how many servings are in the package or jar. The nutritional information that follows is for one serving, which is measured in cups/grams or pieces. When comparing two similar products, be sure to note if the serving size is the same; if not, the values are not equal. 3. Count the calories. This number tells you how many calories are in one serving. There is a separate listing for the amount of calories from fat. Kids caloric needs range from 1,600 to 2,500 calories. Don’t forget to consult your doctor when you go for your next checkup about how many calories a day you should be eating. 4. Beware these ingredients. Too much fat—saturated fat and trans fat—is not good for your health. Try to limit fat, as well as sugar and salt, in your food. Look for these items as last or close to last on the ingredients list. It’s always okay if it’s something you love to eat—just eat it in moderation. 5. Figure out the sugars and fiber. This refers to the number of carbohydrate grams in the food. They are broken down into two categories—fiber and sugars. Ideal are foods that have three grams of fiber or more per serving. 6. Protein power. This number tells you the grams of protein in a serving. This is what bodybuilders look for in order to build strong muscles—and you want to build strong muscles too. 7. The percent daily value (PDV). These are estimates based on a 2,000-calorie-a-day diet for adults, so use these percentage values just to tell whether a food is high or low in nutrients. Here’s the rule of thumb: Low = 5 percent or less of the PDV High = 20 percent or more of the PDV
LET’S GET COOKING!
KNOWING HOW TO PREPARE YOUR own food is essential to maintaining a healthy, balanced diet. Cooking doesn’t necessarily need to be super involved. There are plenty of quick and easy ways to prepare healthy—and delicious—food.
Plain and Simple Snacks
HERE ARE A FEW QUICK snack ideas.
Frozen Grapes: Pop four handfuls of grapes in a plastic zip-top bag and put it in the freezer. Do it in the morning so you’ll have a tasty snack when you get home from school.
Protein Sticks: Wrap a piece of lettuce around some string cheese or a slice of low-salt lunch meat and you’ll be good to go.
Trail Mix: Mix a handful of raisins, dried cranberries, and unsalted nuts or granola in a zip-top bag. Carry the mix in your backpack for a quick snack in between classes.
Mexicana Relish: Mix a small container of plain, low-fat yogurt with three tablespoons of salsa. Spread on a few crackers and enjoy. The mix will stay fresh for five days in the fridge.
Frozen Yogsicles: Spray a clean, empty ice cube tray with cooking spray and spoon some of your favorite flavor yogurt into each section. Place a toothpick in the middle, allow to freeze, and—voilà!—you have yogsicles.
Fruit Smoothie: Combine one six-ounce container low-fat vanilla yogurt, half a banana, two handfuls of strawberries (or banana or blueberries or any other fruit you like), and four ice cubes in a blender. Blend on high until the ice cubes are crushed. Pour your smoothie into a glass and enjoy!
HOW TO GO GROCERY SHOPPING
GROCERY SHOPPING IS SOMETHING you might do along with one of your parents or an older brother or sister. They’ll be really impressed if you make one or more of the following suggestions. Don’t go food shopping when you’re hungry. When your stomach is growling, you may wind up buying food that looks good in the store but that you don’t like at all when you get home. You are also more likely to fill your cart with unhealthy choices. So try to have a little snack before you hit the supermarket, or at least a glass of water to fill you up. Shop along the outside aisles of the supermarket. Supermarkets usually have the healthiest and freshest foods there. The fruit, vegetable, dairy, and meat sections are on the outside, while snacks and less healthy processed foods are in the middle. Always take a list to the store. You are more likely to stick to the fruits and vegetables and products you need and not buy unhealthy impulse items. Try to write the items in the order that you find them in the store. This will save you a lot of time—and you won’t forget what you need! Don’t get hooked by sales and colorful displays at the end of aisles. Sure, those chocolate bars are a bargain and the chips look tasty, but just get one or the other, if you must—not all of them. If you can’t pronounce what’s on the label, do you really want to eat it? The idea of learning to read a nutrition label is not so you get crazy about calories or fat or sugar. It’s just so that you know what’s in the food you eat and what’s going into your body.
Sugar High
SUGAR TASTES GOOD, BUT IT doesn’t give your body any nutrients —that’s why calories from sugar are usually called “empty calories.” If you eat too much sugar, you’ll get an initial rush, then quickly crash and be left feeling tired and cranky. Too much of this sweet stuff isn’t good for your smile, either, since sugar can cause tooth decay. And while you may have heard that brown sugar is healthier than white, it’s a myth. Nutritionally there isn’t much of a difference between them. And the brown color? That’s created from molasses. There is such a thing as healthy sugar, though, such as that found in fruits. The key word here is “natural.”
WATER WORKS!
WATER IS THE ESSENTIAL building block of all life. Every one of your cells has water in it. Your job is to drink H2O (the chemical term for water) to keep all systems afloat! Here are a few of the good things water does: • It gives your skin a beautiful glow and helps fight acne. • It keeps the blood flowing in your system. • It helps you maintain a healthy weight. • It replenishes body fluids lost from normal sweating, urinating, and exercising. • It helps you get rid of any toxins in your system.
The rule that you should drink six to eight (eight-ounce) glasses of water a day is a general guideline to go by, but don’t wait until your throat is parched to have your first sip. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink small amounts of water throughout the day. With all the stylish and eco-friendly water bottles on the market, you have no excuse not to drink up!
You lose water through sweat and urination. When you exercise heavily or it’s really hot out, drink more than normal to make sure you replace fluids you lose. And did you know that you lose a glass of water while you sleep? When you wake up each morning, drink an eight-ounce glass of water and you’ll start the day completely hydrated.
Lots of foods that you already eat have water in them—lettuce, celery, and juicy fruits such as peaches and watermelon are just a few of many examples. A normal diet has about four cups of water in it, which means that by eating you are halfway to getting your daily quota.
You don’t need to drink plain water to get enough H2O. And if you don’t like plain water, add a squeeze of fresh lemon or orange for some added—healthy—flavor! But any liquid you drink —such as juice, milk, or tea—has water in it and will help you get to your necessary total.
THE NO-FAD ZONE
EATING HEALTHY AND FEELING SATISFIED after a meal is not a fad. It’s the best way to enjoy food. Here are some simple tips that will hold up in the long run:
Never let yourself get too hungry. Don’t skip meals (especially breakfast) or snacks. This is the most important habit you can form for a healthy, happy lifestyle. Try not to miss an opportunity to eat something healthy, since food is delicious and fuels your active day. Plus, when you miss a meal, your body craves sugar and fat—the things that are not good for you—and that’s when people tend to overeat.
Chew your food thoroughly. This will not only help you feel more full and eat less, but it will also allow you to enjoy every flavorful bite of your meal. Many of us tend to gulp our meals down, which can leave us feeling hungry and unsatisfied.
Wait five minutes after eating a portion to see if you’re still hungry before taking another helping. Give yourself some time to let the feeling of being satisfied set in. If the portions at a restaurant are too big, don’t feel you have to finish it all. You can take the rest of the food home in a doggie bag and enjoy that delicious meal again the next day!
Sometimes when you think you’re hungry, you’re really thirsty— your body needs water. So if your stomach is grumbling and you haven’t skipped a meal or snack, take a drink before you eat to see if you are actually hungry.
Eat food prepared at home whenever you can. Diners, delis, restaurants, and fast-food places add a lot of extra fat, sugar, and salt to make their food taste good. And they often fry their food. When food is prepared at home, you know exactly what’s in it. It’s also really fun to experiment with cooking. When you get good enough at it, you’ll be able to make exactly what you want to eat.
Choose low-fat dairy products and lean proteins when you can. Low-fat milk or lean proteins such as chicken or pork are tasty and good for you! Many adults eat fat-free foods, but as a growing young person, low-fat is fine for you.
GOING TOO FAR
IT’S FINE TO BE INTERESTED in nutrition and keeping your weight at a healthy number. However, if you or a friend become too worried about eating and begin to have negative feelings about your body, you may be headed toward an eating disorder. This is when you have problems around food that can harm your mental and physical health. If you have any of these symptoms, please talk with a parent, guidance counselor, school nutritionist or nurse, or a family friend. They can help you find out more information from one of the many organizations that help tweens and teens overcome this condition. Eating disorders are serious but treatable if you get help.
Signs of a possible eating disorder:
• Intense fear of getting fat
• Extreme preoccupation with your body shape and weight
• Feeling fat even if you have lost a lot of weight
• Frequent dieting
• Out-of-control eating, even until feeling sick, followed by throwing up the food
YOU ARE WHAT YOU EAT
WE’VE LEARNED about food—what to go for and what to avoid. Of course, there’s more to the story. For now, try eating in moderation—not too much and not too little. Have you heard the expression, “Listen to your body”? If you eat a meal and feel energetic, you’ve eaten healthfully. If any food makes you sleepy or if you have difficulty concentrating, take another look at what you’ve eaten. The way you feel is very much up to you!
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