When starting a new exercise program or upping the intensity of your current plan, don’t worry about what the scale says! – As your body adapts to the new demands placed on it, the volume of blood in your body can increase up to 1 1/2 litres — to carry more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles. Muscles that are being worked regularly respond by storing more glycogen and water, increasing their work capacity. If you are doing any work with weights, you will likely be adding lean muscle tissue — lean muscle is denser than body fat. Weight loss from decreasing body fat can be offset by these factors. Trust the tape, the mirror, and how your clothes fit. Slow and steady is the best way to get lasting results. Eating a balanced, clean and moderate diet, and exercising regularly (incorporating some form of strength training into your workouts) will yield the best results.

Todd Dennis, www.NorthStrongFitness.com

Did you know that regular use of castor oil might stimulate and increase hair growth, reduce and prevent breakage, and condition and moisturize the hair and scalp? Castor oil is a humectant, meaning it attracts and retains moisture to the skin and hair. The antibacterial and anti-fungicidal properties of ricinoleic acid in castor oil protects the scalp against hair loss, while making hair stronger, smoother, and less frizzy. To use, dilute the castor oil with another oil (think argan, coconut, or sweet almond). Castor oil is very thick, which can make it hard to apply. Warm the oils and start with damp, but not wet hair. Massage your head with your fingertips using small, circular motions. Use your fingers to comb your hair; this helps distribute the oil. For best results, treat yourself to castor oil twice a week.

As enjoyable as holiday planning may be, does it ever give you a headache? Between the shopping, the wrapping, the cooking, and the decorating, does holiday stress make your head throb? According to a survey by the National Headache Foundation, over half of those polled admitted that they have an increase or worsening of their headache symptoms during the holiday season. Three very common triggers of headaches are stress, changes in sleep patterns, and exposure to smoke and perfume. These triggers are widespread during the holidays. These tips may help you avoid holiday stress and a bad headache: Plan ahead. Avoid marathon mall shopping. Remember to eat. Get some fresh air.

Steinbach Arts Council, steinbachartscouncil.ca

With all of the demands on our time these days, being healthy is a conscious choice. Choices like what we eat, how much sleep we get, and how we move our bodies. As the year winds down, we find ourselves evaluating our choices and looking ahead to a fresh start in January. What choices are we making? Where do we put ourselves on our to-do list? How much time do we allow for ourselves? In a world which seems to move faster every day, yoga is a practice which helps us to slow down time and find presence as we build healthier bodies and minds. Creating this space for ourselves is even more important as our routines stretch to fit in holiday events. Make the commitment to yourself now, and not only will you feel less stressed over the holidays, but you’ll also get a head start on your goals for next year.

Susan Turner, www.YogaConnections.ca

There has been a lot of hype around “mindfulness” these days. It has seemed to taken the world by storm, and it’s showing up in all kinds of forms; yoga, Ayurveda, meditation, chanting, gong baths, singing bowls, drumming, essential oils, and the list goes on. One might ask what does it do? To tell you the truth the benefits are numerous, and we’d have to write a book to capture it all. For the sake of space let us capture a few: relaxation, self exploration, being present, increased energy, releases of “unbalanced” energies, relieving illness such as anxiety, depression, post traumatic stress, and insomnia.   I’d have to say for me, the biggest benefit in my life has been that all of these practices of “mindfulness” bring me to a place of inner and outer peace. The only way you are going to know for sure if any of these benefits apply to your life is by experiencing it!

Carole Tetreault, www.shineyourlight.ca