Younger Skin in 9 Days

It takes only nine days to look younger and less stressed, says dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler, author of The Mind-Beauty Connection: 9 Days to Reverse Stress Aging and Reveal More Youthful, Beautiful Skin. Dr. Wechsler shares her nine-day skin renewal plan, which she says will improve the overall appearance of your skin.

Day 1: Simplify

Dr. Wechsler says many people come into her office with a bag full of products they use daily, but she says all you need for your skincare routine are these three items:

• Gentle cleanser
• Moisturizer with antioxidants
• Sunscreen made with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide

Once you simplify your beauty routine, focus on getting at least eight hours of sleep. "When you are sleeping, that is when the beta endorphins and growth hormone are at their highest—the healing hormones essentially," she says. "That is why we are always told you heal in your sleep, you grow in your in your sleep. It's true—the more time your body can spend sleeping, as opposed to being awake and stressed out, the better."

Day 2: Relax

Put yourself first and try to unwind. Dr. Wechsler says these are great ways to relax:

• Book a massage
• Have sex
• Try yoga or breathing

Day 3: Go Green

Get out into nature and enjoy yourself, Dr. Wechsler says. "Get out of the office for 10 minutes and look at the sky and the tress—it's relaxing," she says. "There are some studies that show that physiologically, your stress hormone levels go down if you can get outside."

Day 4: Eat Clean

By concentrating on eating well, stress will dissipate, Dr. Wechsler says. "When people are stressed, they are driven to eat high-carb, fatty, fried foods with high sugar, and they binge eat more when they are stressed," she says. 

Day 5: Exercise

Take 30 minutes out of your day to exercise, Dr. Wechsler says. You don't have to do an extreme workout—just move your body, she says.

Day 6: Foster Friendships

Make plans to see your friends, Dr. Wechsler says. "Not just texting and e-mailing your friends, but actually making plans to see a friend in person—we don't do that enough these days," she says.

Day 7: Pamper Yourself

You don't have to go out to an expensive spa and get a massage to indulge, Dr. Wechsler says. "Just do a [face] mask at home," she says. Mixing whole milk and honey together as a moisturizing face mask is something Dr. Wechsler says you can do in seconds.

Day 8: Sleep In

Try to sleep in or take a 20-minute nap, Dr. Wechsler says. "Plan it. If you are a working mom or stay-at-home mom, plan with your partner to let you sleep in," she says.

Day 9: Reflect

Think back on the nine days and determine what worked for you and what didn't. "What can you take with you for the rest of your life that seemed to help?" Dr. Wechsler asks. "We are talking about this more as a whole life renewal plan, not just a nine-day plan."

Feeling a little better

I somehow found strength to stay away from chocolate while I'm sick.  I read somewhere that sugar kills your immune system.  So I figure, I better practice the art of self disciple, which is one of Buddhism's highest value.  I almost cave in.  But luckily, I overcame the temptations.  My body kept trying to tell my mind that its okay and just go easily grabbed the damn thing, unwrapped it, and enjoy it.  But my mind kept reminding me, subtly, that nope, "you know its not gonna do you any good, especially at your current conditions.  Do you want to feel the pain of being sick again."  So I have to ask myself over and over again, don't you remember to take better care of your body from now on.

I'm planning on going to a "NO Sugar Diet".  I don't know exactly how to execute such task.  I'm thinking to make a list of not to do such as:

1. No more candy bar chocolate for now or cordova chocolate.
2. No more sodas.  Which I'm getting pretty good as staying away from.  
3. More water. 

Speaking of water.  What is going on.  A gallon of water use to cost $.25 per gallon, and now it's over $1.00  I guess I just have to get filtered water from now on.

If THE MOST HIGH will, that I'll get much better tomorrow.  I did drank some of this golden seal potion that T-man concurred together for me.  

Feeling so sick

I've been feeling out of the weather lately.  At first I thought I was just stressed out or something.  But I try not to think about issues that I just don't have any control of right now.  And I'm trying to to teach myself to instead just appreciate what life has to offer even if its just a walk in a nice cool day. 

It's funny how being broke, no money, can really alter your moods.  I think its even messing with Jamie.  But I can't deal with her mood swings.  She tells me that that she didn't even register for this quarter's class.  And stupid me the whole time I'm thinking she atleast regestered for class.  She said she doesn't want to attend class this quarter, as if she has something else todo like a job.  How she gonna quit going to school and don't even have a job.  But I've given up on her.  I've trying to do my best and apparently my best just isn't good enough and not being appreciated. 

I have to start doing me now and I have to start looking out for me and stop feeling so sorry for her ass.

I'm sick.  It was hard to sleep last night.  It was very uncomfortable.  As if my head was too sensitive.  my hands were feeling weird and in pain and my gums, I just want to scratch 'em.  I must need some kind of antibiotic treatment, which I can't afford.  And I'm kind glad I'm at Tracey because it would just be awful at Jamie's house if I was there and sick.