This week’s 5 ways to Be Balanced Today: Pineapple face masks, resistance band exercises, finance tips, turmeric tea and more!

BEAUTY – Rev up your skin tone with a Pineapple face mask. Buy a ripe, fresh pineapple for your favorite smoothie or a go-to snack and while you’re at it, put aside a half cup (cubed) into a blender and puree to make this mask. This fruit is a natural exfoliate since it contains enzymes and vitamin C. Get rid of that dead, flaky skin by applying the puree to your clean dry face and leave on anywhere from 5 to 15 minutes, depending on your skin sensitivity. (Test it for 5 minutes the first time.) Rinse off thoroughly and follow it up with your favorite moisturizer.

FITNESS – Resistance Bands. For those that don’t have a health club membership, travel regularly, or just like the idea of working out at home, resistance bands can give you a full body workout! This is a very cost effective way to build muscle and burn fat (the cost is generally $15 and under). An added benefit for those that have no space to store workout equipment, these bands can be stored in a drawer or hung on a closet hook. For exercises and tips, simply google the subject, check out your favorite fitness blog, or the literally thousands of resistance band workouts on Youtube. Here’s a great one to get you started:

BUSINESS – Check out your local credit union. If your goal is to save or borrow for a large purchase, consider a credit union. Most of us know little about credit unions and even less about how to join one. Credit unions are not-for-profit, unlike banks. And because of this, their fees and services are generally more favorable. Credit unions usually serve members in their community by things they have in common; like living in a certain area, going to a certain school, or belonging to a certain condo/homeowner’s association, as examples. You should also check with your employer because there’s a chance they sponsor their own credit union. When it comes to borrowing and saving it might well be worth the effort to find out more.

NUTRITION – Turmeric Tea: Lab studies suggest that turmeric contains anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer benefits. It has a slightly bitter, mildly peppery, hint of ginger taste. To make this spicy, creamy tea: Add to one cup of heated almond or coconut milk: ½ tsp. turmeric, ¼ tsp. cinnamon, a sprinkle of ginger, 1 tsp. organic honey and mix well. By experimenting with the spice combinations, you might find you’ll add more or less to suit your own taste. Enjoy!

WELLNESS – Reach out and show some love! Today think of someone you haven’t connected with in a while. A grandparent, a previous co-worker, neighbor, school or childhood friend, a brother or sister living far away, and a once best friend that you’ve lost touch with. Think how it would be a great wellness boost to both you and the person on the receiving end. You can email, call, text, send a funny or heartfelt card. Laughter, memories, forgiveness and connecting are all good for us!