Eavesdropping

I'm all about respecting people's privacy and allowing for personal space, a trait that has been groomed by my time as a New Yorker where space is a rare commodity and rude/unaware people seem to be abundant (please note it is not ok to jam your yoga mat on top of others just cause you showed up late!). But every so often something salacious happens that you simply cannot help yourself and you end up succumbing to the eavesdropping temptation. Case in point as I walked home from my jog yesterday a couple were walking their dogs and the wife was letting her husband have it..."Why don't you help a bit more? You know I haven't gotten more than 5 hours of sleep since Monday! And frankly it's making me look any younger so if I look old it's all your fault!"

While I found her ease to publicly display her martial problems on a busy intersection a bit interesting, I understand where she's coming from (side note: I'm known to be a bit of a sleeper myself. Read: don't try to deal with me unless I've gotten my 8.5 hours of sleep), there's a significant amount of validity to what she's saying. It is during the sleeping hours that your body has a change to repair, recover and regenerate. That's why it's called beauty sleep. While you're off dreaming about Mr. Right and the beautiful kids you will have your body is repairing sun (photo) induced DNA damage, synthesizing essential proteins such as elastin and collagen and treating any inflammation (ie. breakouts). And in case you haven't heard you need between 7-8 hours of zzz's nightly no ifs, ands or butts. Have trouble sleeping? Try spraying some lavender essential oil on your pillow (my go to choice) or lull your body into sleep mode with a relaxing bath or a cup of warm milk and honey (it really works). If plump, smooth, wrinkle-free skin isn't enough of an inspiration to hit the sack, studies show that when you get less than 7 hours of sleep your body produces more of the stress hormone, cortisol, which encourages your body to store fat leading to weight gain...do I see you heading to bed?

Usage tip: There's nothing more unattractive than pillow lines that can cause collagen and elastin breakdown leading to wrinkles. Opt for silk pillowcases that help skin retain moisture, leave hair tangle free and skin lineless!

The result: Look in the mirror the next time you get a good nights rest...your skin is plump, radiant and youthful! This is the cheapest tool in your anti-aging regimen!