beauty addict

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The latest trends, techniques, and insider secrets—revealed.

The Sweetest Revenge
They say revenge is a dish best served cold. We say looking and feeling great now is the best retribution.
By Necole Long

Your boyfriend was spotted at a cozy restaurant with a beautiful woman when he was supposed to be studying. A week before the wedding, your fiancé casually informs you that he’s not ready to give up his bachelor status. After deciding you’re not really his soul mate, your husband of five years leaves you for his college sweetheart. Well, you could take a cue from John Tucker Must Die—not getting mad, getting even. (Canceling his credit cards, slashing the tires on his new ride, or smashing his cherished PlayStation are all thoughts that immediately come to mind.)

The downside to this kind of retaliation? It could land you with hefty court fees, fines, or a psycho reputation (think Uma Thurman in My Super Ex-Girlfriend, sans the superpowers). And even if you don’t act on those thoughts, is all that negativity really worth it? We think not. So before you destroy his beloved possessions, we urge you to stop wasting energy on him and instead use your scorned-girl fury as fuel for self-improvement. The best part? You’ll be so pleased with your progress, he’ll soon become a distant memory (and of course, if you do run into him, rest assured—you’ll look like a total knockout).

Kick Butt
“Any physical activity produces endorphins, which are chemicals in the brain that are responsible for positive moods,” says Laura Lyndon, director of personal training at Gold’s Gym in Ashburn, Virginia. “By releasing these endorphins, we relieve stress and are able to think clearly and have a positive outlook.” Most gyms offer a variety of kick-boxing, Pilates, and spinning classes that are certain to burn calories and ease stress. If you’re not into the gym scene, check out BillyBlanks.com for information on an amazing Tae Bo program that will have you kicking and punching your way to optimism (and a better body) in no time.

Become a Yogi
The word yoga, meaning “union,” refers to a series of postures or poses that date back more than 5,000 years. In addition to physical benefits, yoga can enhance your mind and spirit, replacing thoughts of retribution with a sense of balance. “Internalizing negative energy doesn’t do anything but create medical problems,” says Amir Tahami, certified yoga instructor and director of Sun & Moon Yoga Studios in northern Virginia. “Yoga allows us to become mindful of negative thoughts through meditation, allowing us to reevaluate thoughts of revenge.” What’s more, it doesn’t require pricey equipment or a brand-new workout wardrobe. Although you can enroll in a class, getting started requires little more than a basic video or DVD.

Give Back
Volunteering for charity is always a great way to channel positive energy, and there are several ways in which you can give back while getting fit. The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training (teamintraining.org) is the largest sports-endurance program in the world, and in exchange for training and support, you can help raise funds toward finding cures for blood cancers. If you’ve ever dreamed of running, walking, or cycling in a marathon, Team in Training will make sure you cross the finish line. For other programs that enable you to get fit while giving back, check out JustGive.org.

Photo credit: Fabian Guignard

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