Take Time for You, Ladies

With all the hustle and bustle of work, kids, school, activities and other obligations, there hardly seem to be enough hours in a day to accomplish it all. Because of all this clutter, we often neglect ourselves in the process of getting things done. It is so important to take time every day for yourself, because without good mental health and a piece of mind, we'll slowly lose our self in everything else around us.

You can make a natural, inexpensive, yet effective face mask out of ingredients found in your own kitchen.

You will need:
 whole raw rolled oats (oatmeal)
 Honey
 Hot water
 Grapes

Directions: Take about 1/4 cup of oats and grind them into a powder. A food processor works quite well, I use a mortar and pestle to reduce electricity use.
 To that, add hot water by the tablespoon until the mask's consistency is that of a thick pancake batter. Then, add a dash of honey and mix well. Dampen skin with warm water to open up pores and while skin is slightly moist, apply your oatmeal face mask. Let the mask stay on your skin for 5-10 minutes, or until dry. Gently scrub off the mask with warm water (you shouldn't need to use a moist towel, your hands will work fine). The fats in the oatmeal are good natural moisturizers, and leave a protective layer over your skin.
 After there is no more oatmeal left on your face, cut a few grapes in half. Rub the flesh of the grapes all over your face. It may seem silly to do, but grapes (especially grape seeds) have natural anti-bacterial elements in them.
 After you have allowed a few minutes for the grape juice to set on your skin, rinse your face with cold water to close up and tighten pores. Pat dry with a towel and enjoy beautiful, healthy skin!

  Take 15 minutes a day to meditate for yourself. Focus on your breathing by taking deep cleansing breaths in through your nose, and out through your mouth. Play soothing music, or just sit in the silence. Enjoy the calmness of the moment, and don't worry about what else is happening in your life.

  If you simply can't find the time to try any of this, at least take five minutes a day for yourself. This is most useful before you fall asleep. Lay in bed, in silence, away from your phone, computer, television and any other electronic devices; no worries, try to clear your mind. There is nothing and no one more important than you at this moment. Take a long, slow deep breath in through your nose, and hold it for a second, then exhale slowly through your mouth. Focus on your breathing, and only your breathing. After a few deep breaths, try adding muscle clenches on the inhales. As you take your deep inhale, tighten and clench one of your arms, so tight that it comes up off the mattress. On the exhale, gently release the tension and feel yourself sink deeper into the mattress. Repeat this for each arm, both legs, and even your face and abdomen. Feeling with each exhale, yourself sinking deeper into relaxation. Sometimes, it is effective to think really hard of something or someone that is troubling you as you clench. Picture them right in a bubble then on the exhale, blow it away, and watch it fade into the distance, until it is gone out of sight.