Most, if not all of us, probably need to improve our health in some way, shape or form. Honestly, think about it! Are you stressed over finances? Are you constantly sleep deprived? Need to lose a few pounds? There is probably something that we could all improve upon, which is why I bring you Improving Your Health... On a Budget!

Perhaps I'm not telling you any truly NEW information, but perhaps you need to be reminded. So, here it goes!

How Do You Handle Stress?

We all suffer from stress from one degree to another, and how you handle your stress makes all of the difference! Do you Vent or let our your emotions in a Non-Violent way such exercise or talking it through? Or do you hold it all in until you practically implode? The latter is obviously least constructive to handling your dilemmas, in fact so much so that it could consistently make your blood pressure rise and stay elevated! Talking to a friend or participating in some physical exercise doesn't cost any money, so next time you get stressed out and think the best idea is to hold it in... think again!

Did you also know that the number one EASIEST way to improve your stress levels is to laugh? Laughing alone has been proven to improve cardiovascular health, immune function, and to release stress. So before you think about participating in some evening road rage, turn on the 5 O'Clock Funnies for a little laugh instead!

But did you know that the BEST way to reduce your stress is to spend time with your family? I'm sure some of you may think that's the easiest way to increase your stress, but studies have shown that those that spend time with the families have lower stress levels.

Do You Take Time to Care For Your Health?

Moms (especially me) have the bad habit of not even putting themselves on the list of people/things to take care of. Shame on you! I'm here to tell you that not taking care of yourself is a very, very BAD thing! And no, I'm not talking about just facials and massages here... but Doctors appointments, and follow ups to said Doctor appointments are crucial.

Case in point, I had a lesion on the back of my thigh that I put off for a very long time in getting checked by a dermatologist. When I was pregnant with Hayden (my first), said lesion became bigger (as the surge of hormones can do to skin things during pregnancy). When Hayden was five months old I finally got around to going to the Doctor to have it checked. She told me that it needed to be removed, but that I could come back another day to have it done. SIX MONTHS LATER I got around to going back. Six months! I had a BAD malignant melanoma, and I'm damn lucky that I didn't need the do chemotherapy. I had to have huge margins removed by a plastic surgeon which have left me with a 4 inch wide scar on the back of my thigh, which gave me all sorts of trouble during recovery do to slow healing and the sutures opening up (and that's not counting the OTHER one I had removed from my calf six months later!). If I had waited another 2-3 months, I might not have been so lucky. As many of you know, Malignant Melanoma is very serious, and is one of the most deadly cancers due to the fact that if it metastasizes in the body it usually picks the lungs or the brain... and once you get it there you are done. Fini. Bye bye. Moral of the story, don't ignore your health. Please. Whatever you do. Even in times of recession when money is tight, you should NEVER compromise your health to try to save a few bucks. This will always backfire and wind up costing you thousands more, and maybe even your life!

Do You Take Time To Care For Your Appearance?

Moms also make the mistake of not taking care of their appearance, or letting themselves go. This goes for Dads, too! Big mistake! Sure, you are pressed for time and can hardly get on some chapstick let alone apply concealer to the circles under your eyes. But did you know that not taking care of your appearance actually contributes to depression, poor self esteem, low sex drive (which is the killer to many marriages), and decreased functioning on your part as a parent and a spouse? I'm serious! I'm sure you all think I'm nuts, but it's definitely true!

I've always maintained to my husband (whom expected me to "let myself go" when I had children - BARF!) that I cannot be a good wife and mother if I don't feel like I look good doing it. Every day I shower, I do my hair, and I put on my makeup (it's all about the 5 minute face, ladies!)... right away in the morning. Sure, I work from home and the only time I see the outside world is if I go to Albertson's on a Diet Coke Run or take my youngest to the Park. But how I feel about myself on the outside sure makes a difference about how I feel about myself on the inside. Sure, that might sound a bit selfish and self-centered, but I have to say that the days I'm schlepping around in sweats and have no makeup on I'm not a very nice person to my husband or my children, and the quality of my work that I have to complete for my job is not up to par as well. The second I'm showered and ready for my day I'm much better.

Part of my "taking care of my appearance" factor always has to do with my haircuts. I make sure to get a great haircut every few months from a great stylist that cuts my hair in a way to make it easy and effortless to make my hair look great every day in 5-10 minutes. Every girl needs a good haircut now and then- if you are looking for a guy that cuts the right stuff, drop me an email! I'd be happy to drop his details!

Do You Take Time to Pamper Yourself?

This goes hand in hand with stress relief ladies (oh, and gentlemen). Sure, most of us can't afford to get a massage or a facial on a regular basis although that would be absolute heaven. There are several things you can do on your own at home to pamper yourself that won't break the bank by using regular household items that you've probably got kicking around.

Want to take a relaxing bath? Add Epsom salt, 1/2 cup of Honey, and 2 cups of milk in to a warm bath for a soothing skin treatment. Epsom salt helps decrease bloating, while the milk and honey will moisturize your skin.

Got puffy eyes? Two tricks that will work to make you look human again! Always keep a spoon in your freezer. If you wake up in the morning with swollen and puffy eyes, you can apply the cold spoon to the lower eye area that is puffy with gentle pressure. The cold temperature and pressure will decrease the puffiness. Have more time? Brew a cup of Chamomile Tea with two tea bags. Once the tea is brewed, add ice until the water is cold. Remove tea bags from cup, and squeeze out excess water. Place tea bags over eyes for 10-15 minutes while you kick back and relax.

Have you run out of exfoliater, or just plain don't want to shell out the cash for some? Did you know that you can mix some every day facial cleanser with baking soda to make for a great at-home exfoliant? You can! And it works well, too. Give it a try, and I swear your face will thank you for exfoliating!

Is your hair dry, but you can't afford to go out and buy that favorite expensive Hair Mask that you used to get? You can make your own hair moisturizing mask by mixing equal parts of avocado, mayonnaise, and olive oil until smooth. Then, apply to your hair and let it work it's magic for 10-15 minutes. Shampoo and condition hair as usual after treatment.

Are your nails yellowing? Wedges of lemon are a natural way to whiten and clean your nails. Simply cut a lemon in to some wedges, and rub the lemon on your nails to whiten and brighten! Don't try this on your teeth, though... your enamel won't like it very much!

Do You Take Time To Exercise?

Lets face it, not all of us can afford an expensive Gym membership (I happen to be blessed with parents that renew my membership as a Christmas present every year, otherwise I'd do without). Another reality check: many of us don't really feel comfortable working out in the presence of others! No biggie, though... because you can purchase your own lifetime membership to your own gym for less than $50.00! You don't have to be crazy like me and play three hours of tennis twice a week, run 3-4 miles 2-3 times a week, and make trips to the gym to be a hot Mom or Dad.

Essentials for your "At Home" Gym:
1) Resistance Bands - $9.99
2) Exercise Balance Ball - $9.99
3) Jump Rope - $6.60
4) Two Small Handweights (3-5 lb is ideal) - $11.79
5) Yoga Mat - $9.99

Grand Total = $48.36 (remember, free shipping and no sales tax with Amazon.com!)

With the above equipment you can do a variety of exercises to tone and firm your entire body. Don't believe me? I'll be posting about things to do in the comfort of your own home to tone up for summer... and beyond!

A little effort and a tiny wallet can help improve your life immensely. More to come soon about Improving Your Health... On a Budget!

P.S.- If I can find time to take care of my health, maintain my appearance, and work on my fitness... anyone can (I just ran 4 miles with lipstick on, by the way)! Don't even get me started on this week's travel schedule for work and extracurricular activities for the kids!