Find Happiness : )

Below are some simple tips to find happiness in every day moments.

1. Smile. The old saying of "fake it til you make it" holds true with happiness as well. When things are getting you down, put a smile on your face and feel the effects spread throughout your body. If you need a little help, turn to your favorite sitcom or youtube video for help!

2. Be present. Live in the moment. So much of our time is spent dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Strive to be present and aware as you move throughout your day and you'll undoubted find happiness the most unexpected places.

3. Make time for things you love. So often, we put off doing things we love (i.e. spending time with friends and family, watching a favorite movie, going for a bike ride, etc.) for when we're "done" with our to-do list. Unfortunately, that often results in us never taking time for ourselves. Give yourself 15 minutes a day to do something you love and enjoy. The benefits will really be invaluable.

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Harness Your Motivation!

Below are some simple, easy tricks to harness your motivation to reach all your healthy lifestyle goals!

1. Change your vocabulary. Saying "I want to workout" or "I choose to eat healthy foods" is much more empowering that victimizing yourself and saying "I have to..."

2. Make a list. Making a list of all the reasons why your healthy living goals are important is a great way to harness your motivation. List everything from "fitting into my 'skinny' jeans" to "being able to play with my kids". Reread the list whenever you need a motivation booster.

3. Share your goals. Sharing your goals with others is a great way to hold yourself accountable. Telling your family and friends what you're hoping to achieve is a wonderful way to motivate yourself because if you fail to reach your goals, you'll not only disappoint yourself, but you'll have to "explain" it to your friends and family.

4. Recruit a friend. So many of us aim to get healthier as one of our primary goals. So, why not reach out to a friend, sibling or spouse to accompany you on your journey. Teaming up is a fantastic way to get your butt in gear!

Best of luck : ).

Boost Self-Esteem Effortlessly : )

1. Be positive! Practice positive self-talk. So many of us list all our flaws the second we look in the mirror. Instead, make a conscious effort to practice positive (or at least neutral) self-talk. Recognize the blueness of your eyes, the beauty of your posture or the curl of your hair. Positive self-talk is key to a healthy relationship with your body.

2. Smile! Smiling is a wonderful way to improve your mood and feel better about yourself. So, when the blues are setting in, put a smile on your face and feel the effect ripple throughout your body.

3. Practice Yoga. Studies show that women who practice yoga regularly (at least 2-3 times per week) have much higher self-esteem and lower instances of eating disorders and mid-life weight gain than women who do not practice. So, grab your mat and say "Om" and revel in your new found mind-body connection.

For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my book, Well-Designed Living, visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com or email CailenAscher@gmail.com.

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Live Healthier Starting Today!

These simple tricks can leave you feeling happier and healthier starting today! And best of all, they're easy to incorporate into your current lifestyle : )

1. Stay hydrated. Especially in winter months, our skin can really take a beating. Be sure to drink around 5+ 8oz glasses of water daily to replenish lost moisture.

2. Use lotion with a built-in SPF of at least 15. Even in the winter, you have to think about protecting your skin from the sun - especially exposed areas like your face!

3. Move more! Think you don't have time to exercise? Start small! Park farther away from your destination and walk or opt for the stairs over the elevator. Small changes can have big results!

4. Get enough sleep. Try for 7-8 hrs/night. Lack of sleep leaves us irritable, tired and makes us prone to eat more!

5. SMILE : ) When the blues set-in, the best policy is "fake it til you make it". Put a smile on your face (or turn to your favorite youtube video or SNL sketch for help) and see how quickly you can turn that frown upside-down. Happiness is the key to health!

Hope these tips leave your happier and healthier in 2010! For more healthy living advice, drop-in on one of my Lifestyle Classes. For more info visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com/lifestyle.html.

For more information about Cailen Ascher Design or my healthy lifestyle book, Well-Designed Living, visit www.CailenAscher.bravehost.com or email CailenAscher@gmail.com.

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