| How to Increase Mental Stamina Posted: 28 Mar 2022 01:00 AM PDT Though endurance is often associated with athletic activities, mentally-grueling projects also require a lot of mental concentration and stamina. Perseverance is of the utmost importance in solving a complex problem. Here are some additional tips to increase your focus and to get tough things done. [Edit]Improving Your Focus - Prioritize your tasks efficiently. The better you can organize tasks according to some plan or logic, the more you'll be able to focus and complete those tasks in a timely manner.[1] If you want to improve your mental stamina, improve your prioritizing skills.
- Make a list of what you need to do. Rank the tasks in order of difficulty, or in order of urgency, depending on the tasks.
- Spend five or ten minutes figuring out how much time each task should take, then draw up a quick schedule for yourself and try to stick to it as much as possible.
- Do one thing at a time. For some people, multi-tasking can work. But if you want to really improve your focus and mental stamina, it's important to narrow in on one thing only, see it through to completion, and then take on something else.[2][3]
- Start with the most important or the most difficult task you need to accomplish while you're fresh. Get it out of the way, so that the rest of the work you've got to do will be smoother sailing, and will require less of you.
- Do something until it's finished. It takes you a long time to go in and out of tasks, re-acclimating yourself to the job at hand. Instead of getting up and doing something else for a while, finish. Then take a break. Then start something new.
- Eliminate distractions. If you're focusing on doing math problems, or reading a complicated text, you shouldn't be also trying to eat a sandwich, watch television, or carry on a conversation. Eliminate the noise, put your phone away, and just do the thing you're doing.[4]
- Find a quiet space when you want to focus. If you have trouble finding one where you are, get some noise-canceling headphones and just leave them on silent.
- Lots of people think that the radio on in the background is a good way to study, or that they can watch TV while grading papers. This is partially true.[5] Only listen to music if you've heard it before, and you like it. Don't try to focus on watching a show you've never seen before.
- Think positively. Self-confidence is one of the most important characteristics to focus and success in a given task.[6] If you go into something that requires great focus, assume that you're going to do well. Assume that you have the skills and the know-how to finish it properly. Assume that you'll succeed.
- Positive thinking is good, but you also have to put the work in. Don't just assume that good vibes will carry you through a tough test. You've still got to study and think hard during the test itself.
- Take deep breaths if you get nervous performing difficult tasks. Focusing on your breathing and calming your nerves will help you perform.
- Try visualizing. One technique commonly used by athletes involves actually closing your eyes (yes, do this) and picturing what you want to happen in your mind. If you're struggling hard with a test, then picture yourself going through confidently and answering all the questions correctly.[7] Picture your teacher giving you back your tests with the grade you want.
- Do this just before the task itself, and try to stay in that confident head-space. That's where you want to be.
- Do mental exercises. Playing games that involve your focus and attention can have a positive impact on your ability to focus in the long-term. The ability to assemble lots of different information and come to a conclusion is what focus is all about. Difficult games and mental exercises require you to do just that. Try playing the following types of focus-building games:
- Chess
- Sudoku
- Crossword puzzles
- Turn-based strategy games
- Try to learn new words. Vocabulary building may not seem tied to focus necessarily, but the ability to absorb new information regularly is an important part of overall focus and mental stamina. Make a habit of trying to learn a few new words every month, and keep them rotating in your usage. Be a student of words.
- Learn a new language, if you're feeling really ambitious. Taking on an entirely different vocabulary can open up your mind in exciting ways.
[Edit]Improving Your Attention Span - Read more. A recent study revealed that people who read novels regularly are able to empathize more easily, and have an easier time paying attention for longer.[8] Head to your local library and pick up some books you're interested in.
- Read everything. You don't have to read heavy classic novels to get the most out of this. Read Westerns or Romance novels. Read the newspaper. Read magazines you like. Read it all.
- Schedule regular breaks. A recent study revealed that taking regular quick breaks, less than five minutes every hour, is better than taking a single long break in the middle of a difficult task. So, let yourself stop doing what you're doing at least once an hour. Get up, walk around, and turn your mind off for a minute.
- It's usually easier to remember to take one big break, usually for eating, but set a timer to go off every 50 minutes or so, to remind yourself to give yourself a break and do nothing. You need that time.
- Limit your Internet usage. A Pew Study recently linked the increased availability of high-speed Internet services with a diminished attention capacity in American teenagers.[9] If you're feeling tempted to slap a TLDR on every Facebook post longer than a couple of lines, maybe it's time to give it a break for a while.
- You can also use Internet blockers to help you out if you find the lure of messing around too strong when you're trying to work on your computer.
- Delete unnecessary apps from your phone. You'll spend less time clicking around on Facebook and other social media if you can't do it in transit.
- Invest in detailed games and stories. Entertainment isn't all equal. Some stuff is difficult to sit through, but learning to appreciate the fun in a long game of chess, or the story told in Anna Karenina can help your attention span improve in other parts of your life. Decide to enjoy something that's slow and quiet, instead of looking for flash-bang fun.
- Watch fewer YouTube clips and short little .gif sites. If you want to sit down and invest in something, watch an engaging movie, documentary, or long-form show that you're interested in.
- You can have fun to, and you don't have to actually like reading Anna Karenina. Mental stamina isn't just an excuse to be pretentious. Form an opinion, but focus and pay attention enough to form that opinion.
- Don't beat yourself up for slips. Everybody has trouble concentrating sometimes...Even Einstein did! Try not to get too discouraged about your mental stamina, or you risk making it worse. If you're stressed and anxious, your ability to concentrate for a longer period of time with be diminished significantly. Try to relax as much as possible and think positively.
[Edit]Changing Your Habits - Get more sleep. Sleep gives your brain and body time to recover and rejuvenate. If you want to get the most out of your mind, give it plenty of time to turn off at the end of the day with good-quality rest.
- While most doctors and sleep scientists agree that humans require around 8 hours of sleep per night, individuals differ widely. You know your body best-if waking up in the morning feels like the end of the world, then you're likely not getting enough.
- Don't eat, or drink any caffeine, alcohol, or sugary beverages shortly before bed. When your body's working to digest, your sleep suffers in quality.
- Change your diet. What you put into your body affects the way your mind works. If you've got a day of heavy lifting in the brain department, make sure you eat a diet rich in protein, slow-digesting carbohydrates, and fresh fruits and vegetables to get your brain firing on all cylinders.
- Oatmeal, fruit, cereal, toast, and yogurt are all great breakfast choices if you've got to do some heavy thinking over the course of a day. Of course, if you're a coffee drinker, it's fine to have a cup-but stop after one.
- Avoid heavy saturated fats, sugary foods, and high caffeine levels. Over-doing the caffeine will almost certainly cause you to crash, and the first thing to suffer will be your mental stamina. Cut back on caffeine if you're a regular user.
- Drink plenty of water. 70% of your body is water and your body requires lots of it to function. Try to drink as much as two liters of water a day, to make sure that your body and its organs are being replenished and rejuvenated.
- Do physical exercise as well as mental. Get your body moving to help get your mind clear. There are direct connections between exercise and mood, and exercise releases positive mood hormones in your brain that helps you stay positive and upbeat, an essential part of focus.
- Use exercise as a break, or as a way to meditate. Just going on a short brisk walk after meals can be a great way of getting a little exercise.[10]
- De-stress regularly. Your mind needs both exercise and an occasional break. If you tend toward the obsessive, or have trouble shutting your brain off, it can make it very challenging to focus. You don't have to be on all the time. Give yourself permission to relax your mind and calm your stress.
- Try progressive muscle relaxation regularly, especially if you're in the middle of something tough. It only takes fifteen minutes, and involves nothing more than slowly tensing and releasing your muscles.
- Consider meditation. Yoga, deep breathing, and other types of simple relaxation techniques can also be quite effective.
- Talk to your doctor if you struggle to pay attention. If you think that your peers are consistently outperforming you in mental stamina, focus, and concentration and that it is a problem in your life, consider talking to your doctor about testing for learning disabilities or ADHD. You might be eligible for a prescription to a stimulant medication to help you concentrate.
- Psychostimulants don't work for everyone, and side effects can vary depending on the person. It may take a while to get used to the drug.
- Read a book every day, it helps.
- Make up problems in your head and solve them.
- Do simple math as you put each grocery item into the shopping cart.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References |
| How to Recycle Jeans Posted: 27 Mar 2022 05:00 PM PDT Throwing out a pair of jeans that have grown worn or dirty isn't always a good idea. With a little practical know-how, it's easy to recycle jeans instead of sending them to the landfill. Whether you're looking to turn a tired old pair of 501s into a brand-new piece of clothing or convert it to something with a little more practical use, you have many options. [Edit]Making New Clothing - Make cutoffs. This is the "classic" solution for extending the life of a pair of jeans. Any jeans can be converted to cutoff shorts or capris. All that's needed is to do is cut the legs where you'd like them to end. Use a ruler or tape measure to trace a straight line across each leg, then use a fabric knife or set of scissors to cut. See our cutoff article for step-by-step instructions.
- If you're not sure how high you want your cutoffs, be conservative. You can always cut off more denim. However, you can't add more back once you've cut off too much.
- You don't need to throw away the legs once you cut them off. You can use the material for rags, ties, or patches (see below).
- Distress your jeans for a "shredded" look. Have a pair of jeans that's starting to look worn-out? Make a fashion statement by wearing them out more. Cut them, shred them, crush them, or otherwise beat them up to make your own "distressed" denim. See our guide to distressing jeans for lots of specific ideas.
- One beginner-friendly option is to use a cheese grater or a square of sandpaper to wear out your jeans' knees. Shred until white, worn areas begin to develop or you have a set of ragged holes — whichever you prefer.
- This is also a good opportunity to get rid of stains. Shred the stained area until the stain is gone.
- Make a skirt. If you have some basic sewing knowledge, it's not hard to turn a set of jeans into a skirt or dress. See our main article on this subject for step-by-step instructions. To do this:[1]
- Open the inside seam of both legs.
- Stitch the front part of both legs together to form a new front seam for your skirt.
- Stitch a large piece of fabric between the back part of each leg to complete the skirt.
- Trim the skirt to your desired length.
- Use the denim for patching material. If you have another piece of clothing that's looking worn out, consider cannibalizing your jeans to patch up the other item. Cut square or oval sections of fabric from the jeans, then stitch them over the worn-out sections of the other clothes. You can even make your patch look like a deliberate fashion choice by patching the same spot on both sides of a piece of clothing. For instance, you might patch both elbows on a jacket or both knees on a pair of pants.
- To get two patches that are the same size and shape, use a fabric knife or a set of scissors to cut through both layers of denim (front and back) at the same time.
- Make an apron. A denim apron uses the jean's waistband and fastener to stay around your waist, so you'll want a pair that fits. Turn your old jeans into a durable apron by following the directions below:
- Cut the jeans to the length you want your apron. For a short apron, cut an inch or so below the pockets. For a longer apron, cut in the middle of the leg.
- Starting at the top of the zipper, cut horizontally until you reach the side seam. Repeat for the other side.
- Sew the legs together to make the front of the apron.
- Put the jeans on backwards so that the pockets are in front. Fasten the waistband behind you to get it to stay on.
- Try acid-washing your jeans. Acid-washed denim is perfect for an 80s throwback look. These jeans have large patches that are so bleached that they are nearly white. Use the following method with a dark set of jeans for the most noticeable results. An alternate method is available at our main acid-washing article.
- Mix 2.5 parts water and 1 part bleach in a large bucket.
- If you want a blotchy, tie-dye like pattern, gather small sections of jean fabric and bind them into tight "buds" with rubber bands.
- Dip the jeans into the bleach mixture. Let them sit for 30-60 minutes (longer will give a lighter color).
- Remove the jeans and rinse with clean water. Dry as normal.
- Dye the jeans. For most people, denim is synonymous with the color blue. However, there's no reason this has to be the case. With dyes, you can turn old blue jeans into colorful new additions to your wardrobe. Try this easy dip-dying method below (or see our main jean-dying article):
- Soak the jeans in bleach until they are as white as possible. Rinse with water to neutralize the bleach.
- Let the jeans dry. While you wait, mix fabric dye according to the instructions.
- Dip the dry bleached jeans in the fabric dye while wearing leather gloves. Stir the mixture so that they are evenly coated.
- Dip several more times, wringing out the moisture between dips.
- Rinse in water with a little detergent to set the dye. Let the jeans dry.
- Re-decorate your jeans. Another way to get new life out of old jeans is to treat them as a canvas for your artistic abilities. Don't be afraid to get creative. You can make your worn-out jeans look amazing with a little imagination. Below are just a few things you may want to try:
- Drawings and doodles. Use a permanent marker or a fabric marker to get designs that stay in your jeans for more than one wash cycle. You may want to trace in pencil first to avoid mistakes.
- Rhinestones and studs. Use a sturdy fabric-safe glue for durability.
- Fancy buttons. Replace the button on your jeans with something more unique or decorative, like a sturdy flower-shaped button or a fabric-covered button in a fun pattern.
- Negative space designs. Trace shapes or designs on your jeans, then carefully cut them out with a fabric knife or set of scissors. Your skin will show through the hole, creating eye-catching contrast.
[Edit]Making Tools and Accessories - Make a tote bag. Jeans don't just need to be recycled into other types of clothing. Denim is fairly strong, so it's perfect for making sturdy tools and accessories as well. One easy project is to make a tote bag. This is perfect for carrying groceries and using as a purse replacement. To make a tote bag:
- Cut the legs off just below the crotch (as if you were making a very short pair of cutoffs).
- Cut the crotch seam and trim both sides to get something similar to a very short skirt.
- Stitch the bottom flaps of the "skirt" together to make the bottom of the bag.
- Cut two long, skinny strips of fabric from the leftover leg material. Stitch these to the top of the bag to make two handles.
- Make rags or placemats. Denim isn't terribly absorbent, so it's not great for towels. However, it is quite durable, so rags cut from it are great for the garage or kitchen. Making denim rags and mats is easy: just cut square sections of fabric from the jeans as needed.
- One simple way to get good-looking rags is to trace two straight, parallel lines across the front of one leg. Cut across both these lines to get a looped section of denim. Slice down one or both seams to get either one or two rags.
- To make pot holders, fold the rags to double- or triple-up the material, then stitch them shut.
- Make a heating pad. This easy project is a must for treating back pain or sore muscles. Cut two identical squares of fabric from the jeans (see the trick above for cutting sets of rags). Stitch up three sides tight, leaving the fourth open. Scoop uncooked rice into the opening. Stitch the final side shut. Microwave the pad in 20-second increments until it is warm, then hold it against your sore spots.[2]
- Use a large tube-shaped pad instead of a square to make a neck pillow that's great for painful kinks.
- Turn your jeans into insulation material. This is a good choice for leftover sections of denim or jeans that are too ragged or worn-down for other tasks. Cut your jeans into many long strips, then soak these strips in a borax-and-water bath for about five minutes. Squeeze the moisture out of the strips and press them into small gaps in your walls or framing. The denim will dry into a hard, water- and insect- proof insulator.[3]
- Borax is a safe, cheap laundry additive. You can usually find it in the laundry section of department stores or via online retailers.
- Use the denim to "scratch-proof" furniture and tools. Denim is durable enough for heavy-duty use, but it's still soft enough that it will never scratch other surfaces. Use scraps of denim to "scratch-proof" objects around the house. Just use glue or adhesive to fix pieces of denim to scratch-prone spots.
- For example, if you want to keep your ladder from scratching your gutters, cut two wide strips of fabric from your jeans. Glue them to both sides of your ladder at the top. When you rest the ladder against the gutters, the soft denim will make contact, rather than the hard metal.
- Another easy idea is to cut small circles of denim and fix them to the bottom of furniture legs to keep them from scratching the floor.
- Use the inseams for ties. The thick, doubled-up line of stitched fabric inside each pant leg makes a strong, durable string-like material. You can use it to tie up a wide variety of things. For example, use jean inseams to tie loose tools together for easy transport. You can also use it like a keyring to organize things like measuring cups, wrenches, and other similar sets of objects.
[Edit]Finding New Owners - Give the jeans to a family member or a friend. Don't want to turn your jeans into anything new? Give them away as hand-me-downs. Get in touch with friends and family members and ask if they'd like your jeans for free. Even if they no longer fit you, they may fit someone you know.
- You can also try giving the jeans to people you know who are interested in crafts and DIY projects (like the ones above) for use as raw materials.
- Unload the jeans online. This is a great option if you're looking to make a little extra cash. Sites like Ebay and Craigslist offer convenient options for selling your jeans. You're not likely to get very much money for used jeans (unless they're designer), but something is better than nothing.
- Check other ads for jeans in your area before you price yours. You want to pick a competitive price to stand a good chance of selling your jeans.
- Be sure to clearly list the size, maker, and style of the jeans in your ad. Note any areas of wear. Being honest is important for your reputation as a seller.[4]
- Donate to the less-fortunate.[5] Organizations like Goodwill and The Salvation Army will usually accept jeans in a reasonable state of quality. You can also donate your jeans to thrift stores and door-to-door clothing drives. There are a variety of choices available depending on your location, so check a local directory of charities (or an online resource like Guidestar.org).[6]
- Don't forget to keep the receipt — you can deduct the donation from your taxes.[7]
- Support local craft organizations. You don't only have to donate jeans to agencies that will use them as clothing. Denim can be used as a raw material by many other organizations as well. Two possible choices are below. The options available near you may vary.[8]
- Local art programs can use denim for rags, craft materials, and paint applicators.
- House-building charities (Habitat for Humanity, etc.) sometimes use jeans as insulation.
- Jeans can also be turned into camis. As with the skirt method above, cut the jeans to length, with the waistband just below your underarms. Cut straps out of the removed bottoms and affix to the waistband. Hem if you want the bottom edge neat.
- Squares of denim are also great for using in quilts.
- You can try dying your jeans to mask discoloration and wear.
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| How to Relieve Infant Hiccups Posted: 27 Mar 2022 09:00 AM PDT Hiccups are repetitive contractions of the diaphragm. They are a normal occurrence in infants and newborns, and are not usually a medical concern.[1] Most episodes of hiccups in infants are caused by overfeeding or occur when a baby swallows too much air. Infants are generally not bothered by hiccups, but if you are concerned that an infant is uncomfortable, you can relieve his or her hiccups by adjusting feeding patterns and being attentive to possible causes. [Edit]Pausing a Feeding - Stop feeding if an infant is experiencing persistent hiccups that interfere with nursing or bottle-feeding. Resume feeding when the infant has ceased to hiccup, or, if he or she is still hiccuping after 10 minutes, try feeding again.
- Calm a flustered baby by rubbing or patting the baby's back. Babies who are hungry and upset are more likely to gulp air, which causes hiccups.
- Check the baby's position before you continue. Keep the baby in a semi-upright position during feedings and for up to 30 minutes after.[2] Staying upright can relieve pressure on the baby's diaphragm.
- Burp the baby while you wait. Burping the baby can release some of the hiccup-causing gas in his or her stomach. Place the baby upright across your chest so the baby's head is on or a little above your shoulder.
- Rub or gently pat the baby's back. This helps the bubbles of gas to move.
- Resume feeding after the baby burps, or wait a few minutes if the baby does not burp.
[Edit]Reducing Air Swallowing - Listen to the infant during feedings. If you hear gulping noises, the baby may be eating too quickly and swallowing air. Swallowing excess air can cause an infant's stomach to distend, leading to hiccups. Take frequent breaks to slow the feeding session.[3]
- Check that the baby is latched on correctly if you are breastfeeding. The infant's lips should cover the areola, not just the nipple. An insecure latch can cause the baby to swallow air.
- Tilt the bottle to 45 degrees when bottle-feeding. This allows air in the bottle to rise to the bottom and away from the nipple. You may also want to consider using collapsible bag inserts for the bottle that are designed to reduce air swallowing.
- Check the hole in the bottle's nipple when bottle-feeding. If the hole is too big, the formula will flow too quickly, and if it is too small your baby will grow frustrated and gulp air. If the hole is the proper size, a few drops should come out when you tip the bottle.[4]
[Edit]Adjusting Feeding Schedule - Adjust the infant's feeding schedule. Doctors often advise feeding the infant more frequently, but for shorter lengths or for smaller amounts at time. When a baby is fed too much in one sitting, the stomach distends too quickly, which can cause the diaphragm muscle to spasm. [5]
- Pause and burp often during feedings. Burp before you switch breasts if you are breastfeeding. Burp after the baby eats 2 to 3 ounces (60 to 90 ml) if you are bottle-feeding. Pause to burp or stop feeding if the infant stops nursing or turns his or her head away.
- Burp more frequently if you are feeding a newborn, as newborn infants will eat less in one sitting. Newborns usually feed eight to 12 times a day.[6]
- Learn the baby's hunger signals. Feed your infant as soon as they seem hungry. A calm baby will eat more slowly than a hungry, worked up baby. A baby may also swallow excess air during a crying fit.
- Signs of hunger might include crying, mouth movements such as sucking motions, or restlessness.[7]
- Note when the infant suffers from hiccups. Write down the time and duration of each hiccup episode. Keeping track of when the baby experiences hiccups can help you determine if there is a common pattern and help you focus your efforts to relieve the hiccups. Note whether the hiccups occurred during or shortly after feeding. Scan your notes and look for triggers.[8]
[Edit]Seeking Medical Advice - Give it time. Most hiccups will go away on their own. Hiccups are often less disturbing to infants than they are to adults. If your baby seems bothered by the hiccups, is not feeding normally, or is not growing normally, see a doctor.[9]
- Talk to a pediatrician if the baby's hiccups are abnormal. If an infant is regularly hiccuping for over twenty minutes, this can be a symptom of gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)[10]
- Other symptoms of GERD include spitting up and fussiness.
- A pediatrician may be able to prescribe medicine or provide recommendations on how you can help your baby cope with GERD.
- Talk to a pediatrician if the hiccups seem to be interfering with the baby's breathing. If you hear wheezing or the baby's breathing seems to be otherwise obstructed, take the infant to a doctor right away.
- Hiccups are very common among newborns and infants. Most babies will grow out of frequent baby hiccups as their digestive systems develop.
- When burping a baby, ensure that there is no pressure on the stomach. This is best achieved by positioning the baby's chin on your shoulder, supporting the baby between the legs and patting the baby's back with your other hand.
[Edit]Related wikiHows [Edit]References [Edit]Quick Summary |
| How to Make Hands Look Younger Posted: 27 Mar 2022 01:00 AM PDT Keeping your skin youthful, radiant, and healthy is much easier when you practice a good skin care routine and keep your entire body in good shape. But there are also many factors that make hands look older, including age spots, wrinkles and creped skin, thin skin, dryness, and stained or brittle nails. You can take years off the look of your hands by treating these issues. And by taking care of your hands, eating well, avoiding the sun, and maintaining an overall healthy lifestyle, you can have glowing, supple skin for many years to come. [Edit]Rejuvenating Your Hands - Treat age spots. These spots, which are also called liver spots, are caused by neither age nor your liver. In fact, they are areas of hyperpigmentation caused by increased melanin production that occurs because of UV exposure.[1] The appearance of sun spots can be reduced with:
- Skin bleaching agents that contain hydroquinone.
- Fading or lightening creams that contain glycolic or kojic acid, vitamin C, licorice, and mushroom extract.
- Laser therapy or intense pulsed light therapy.[2]
- Address the signs of aging. As we age, the skin on our hands can become wrinkled and creped (looking like crepe paper or streamers) because of fat loss and collagen and elastin depletion.[3] Skin can also become saggy, red, or discolored, and develop a poor texture or growths. Dryness and cracking can also make your hands look older. Regular moisturizing and the use of anti-aging creams can prevent dryness and the signs of aging.
- Always moisturize your hands after you bathe or wash your hands. Pat your hands dry and apply your favorite moisturizer while they're still damp.[4]
- Make a moisturizing hand mask with one tablespoon (5.5 grams) of oat flour, and one tablespoon (0.5 ounces) each of rose water and either almond, olive, coconut, or jojoba oil. Warm the mixture on the stove and apply it to your hands. Wrap your hands in plastic wrap and rinse the mask off once it has cooled, about 10 to 15 minutes.
- Look for anti-aging creams that contain ingredients such as retinol, antioxidants, and peptides.[5]
- To help plump your hands up again, try a retinoid cream,[6] a weekly collagen mask on the back of your hands,[7] or rub into your hands an eye cream that contains hyaluronic acid.[8]
- Exfoliate your skin. By removing dead skin cells, exfoliation can make your skin softer and brighter, and help even out the skin tone. You can exfoliate by gently rubbing your skin with kitchen remedies like coffee grounds or oats, or look for an exfoliating product that contains alpha-hydroxy acids, vitamin C, and retinoids.
- Next time you're exfoliating your face, apply the same product to your hands.[9]
- Massage your hands. Rub a small amount of olive or coconut oil into your hands before bed to help moisturize your skin and improve circulation. Add some sugar to the mix for the additional benefit of exfoliating your skin at the same time. Be gentle as you massage, and be sure to get the back of your hands, palms, fingers, and your cuticles and nails.
- If you used sugar as well, rinse it off when you are finished the massage, otherwise your hands will get sticky. Be sure to moisturize again after washing your hands.
- Give yourself a manicure. Old manicure styles, chipped nail polish, and ignored cuticles can all make your hands look less than perfect. While professional manicures can be expensive and you run the risk of fungal infections,[10] you can achieve many of the same results at home. Every week:
- Remove existing nail polish. Trim and file your nails. Apply a cuticle oil. Once it has been on for a few minutes, push your cuticles back with a cuticle pusher.[11]
- Either leave your nails bare to give them a break from the nail polish, or try a bold new color to draw attention to your nails instead of your hands.
- Never cut your cuticles, as this can cause bleeding and leave you vulnerable to infections.[12]
- Use makeup. For a quick and temporary fix to make your hands look younger, rub a small amount of liquid concealer all over the back of your hands.[13] Although the effect isn't permanent, this will help conceal wrinkles, uneven tone and texture, sun spots, and other signs of aging.
- Consider a filler or injection. When you age you lose fat in your hands, and this makes the bones and veins more prominent. Fat injections and fillers are designed to plump your hands up again. If you're going to go this route, choose a filler treatment that includes hyaluronic acid, which is a great moisturizer that helps to plump skin. [14]
- There are also laser treatments you can get done that promote collagen production, which will help plump your skin up again.[15]
[Edit]Keeping Your Skin Healthy - Stay out of the sun. Since UV exposure causes age spots, the best way to prevent them is to protect your hands from the sun. Wear a sunscreen with an SPF between 30 and 50 all day, every day. And don't forget to reapply throughout the day. Try to keep your hands out of direct and indirect sunlight as much as possible, especially during the hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.[16]
- Eat the right foods. Many of the foods that are good for our bodies also keep our skin looking younger. Eating a balanced diet that includes whole grains, fruits and vegetables of all colors, and healthy fats will help keep your skin looking radiant and youthful. And don't forget to stay hydrated! Anytime you feel thirsty, drink a cup of water.
- Eat wrinkle-fighting foods that are rich in protein, selenium, antioxidants, and coenzyme Q10.[17] This includes whole grains, berries and fruit, beans and legumes, mushrooms, nuts, olive, canola, and sesame oils, and green tea.
- Help increase your body's collagen and elastin production by eating foods that contain vitamins A, C, and E.[18] Try tofu, dark leafy greens, sunflower seeds, avocados, orange fruits and vegetables, bell peppers, and citrus fruits.
- Eat nail-friendly foods that contain omegas and biotin.[19] Add plenty of onions and carrots to your meals, and sprinkle flax seeds on your salads and cereals.
- Exercise regularly. A regular fitness routine is good for your mental health, physical health, and the look of your skin. By improving circulation and bringing more oxygen to your cells, exercise keeps your mind, body, and skin looking and feeling young.
- You should exercise for at least half an hour per day, three to six times per week.[20]
- Walking is an excellent, low-impact exercise.
- Swimming gives you a fantastic cardiovascular workout without the strain or impact of other exercise, because the water takes pressure off muscles and joints.
- Protect your hands. This means protecting them from chemicals, abrasives, detergents, and the elements. Avoid harsh soaps, detergents, heavy-duty cleaning products, and alcohol-based products on your hands. Avoid washing your hands too often, and try to avoid the soaps provided in public washrooms.[21]
- Choose gentle, fragrance-free soaps for your hands, face, and body. Look for soaps that contain aloe, vegetable-based oils like olive and coconut, and soothing ingredients like witch hazel and lavender.
- Wear gloves all the time. Gloves are an added layer of protection against nasty chemicals and the elements.[22] Have different gloves for different occasions and seasons, such as:
- Warm gloves in the winter to protect your hands from the cold and wind.
- Rubber or latex gloves when cleaning or washing dishes.
- Sun-protective gloves (when you aren't wearing winter gloves) to keep your hands safe from UV exposure.
- Consult a doctor about medical concerns. The signs of aging are a normal part of your skin's life. There are, however, medical conditions that can cause abnormal problems, and you should be aware of what to look for. Talk to your doctor or healthcare practitioner if you spot any symptoms such as:[23]
- Rash or lesions
- Raised dots or blisters
- Excessively dry, red, or scaly skin patches
- Warts or abnormal growths
- Stained nails (a sign of fungal infection)[24]
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