Rheal Destressors

The holidays are winding down and regardless of how you feel about them it is a stressful time of year. Diminishing daylight, hazardous weather conditions and the post holiday blahs further contribute to our stress levels. The icing on the proverbial cake is the self-imposed stress of monumental New Year’s resolutions.

We feel compelled to make a list of all of the things we perceive as faults to be corrected in the New Year. On January 2 of every New Year gyms are wall to wall with resolution driven attendees; pantries are stripped of bad foods, and we commit to spending a full two minutes on brushing our teeth, three times a day.

Change is good and all resolutions are well intentioned, however, success is attained by process rather than monumental goals. Instead of a goal to lose fifty pounds determine to be healthy. Instead of saying you will work out seven hours a week, take the stairs and park your car in the spot farthest from your location.

When stressed stop for 60 seconds and ask why. If you can’t pinpoint the source try to incorporate any combination of the following in your routine:

• Lower your expectations to manageable achievements; small changes become lifestyle changes over time;
• Don’t over-schedule yourself or your family;
• Create a play list of soothing music to be used when stressed;
• Take a few minutes and close your eyes to visualize your favorite place;
• Give yourself a time out even if it is sitting in a bathroom stall for five minutes;
• Loosen up - restrictive clothes force muscles to tense and in turn make you tense;
• Ask for help - yes it is hard but you will be amazed at the willingness of others;
• Take care of yourself - you can’t effectively care for others if you don’t take the time to care for yourself;

Rheal De-Stressors


o Schedule a facial;
o Treat yourself to a weekly manicure - think of it as an hour of you time;
o Walk as often as you can;
o Eliminate one food a month from an unhealthy diet;
o Make a list of places or things you would like to do and then schedule one a month -yes it is all right to do it by your self - think of it as a battery recharge and
o Honor your commitments to yourself.

Small incremental changes, rather than large and sometimes overwhelming goals are the path to healthy life changes. It is not selfish to care for yourself. When you are healthy you are strong. You will be a better resource for yourself and those you care for when you operate from a place of strength rather than a place of stress.

May you have the healthiest and happiest New Year of your life!

Rheal Tips to Avoid Makeup Contamination

Most women have fond memories of playing with their mother’s makeup or remember the first time spent with friends experimenting with eye shadow, mascara or lipstick. Do you remember in sixth, seventh or eighth grade applying lipstick between classes only to wash off every trace before you got home and got in trouble? There was nothing unusual about asking to borrow someone else’s lipstick or mascara.

We have all been taught that sharing is an honorable trait but sharing is never a good thing when it comes to makeup. In spite of our innate training to say, “Sure, go ahead”. Don’t! Dermatologists caution, you should never share your makeup.

At one time makeup counters at fine stores were not very careful about application of the same product on multiple women. That all changed as we became more aware of germ transmission. Makeup brushes and applicators can easily carry bacteria from one person to another, and moist, dark containers allow germs to thrive.

Never share lip and eye products that come in frequent contact with more easily infected areas of the body. Cosmetic counters today, always use disposable applicators for lip and eye product testers.

The second important cause of contamination is lack of freshness. We would never dream of eating a food past its sell by date. We change up our toothbrush on a regular basis, but we will keep the same mascara in our bag until we are applying nothing but dried flakes. If you don’t dispose of products on a realistic, self imposed, cycle you may create the perfect playground for germs that cause eye infections, sties or the herpes virus that can cause cold sores and dermatitis.


Neither toothbrushes nor most cosmetics have sell by dates. Old cosmetics should be thrown out and replaced as recommended by your spa professional. Suggested expiration dates vary between products. Liquid makeup ages faster than powder. Mascara should be replaced every eight to twelve weeks. The closed container creates a dark environment that allows germs to thrive.

Finally, be sure you pay attention your brushes and applicators. Treat them with care.

· Do not share brushes with others

· Wash them frequently in warm water with just a drop of non-allergenic liquid soap

· Never wring out the brushes

· Shake excess water from them in the sink

· Allow them to dry on a clean towel

You can share your secrets, your hopes and your dreams with your friends, but please don’t share your cosmetics or brushes. Fresh cosmetics, clean applicators and safe usage are healthy components of healthful beauty.