We are a bit hot. Self-care is not complicated. Not nearly as complicated as social media might have us believe. In fact, most of us already do this every day. Although our hectic daily lives may prove otherwise, a few simple soothing rituals added to our morning and evening routines can benefit us as a rejuvenating mental retreat. Although self-care is personal and individual to each of us, there are some pretty universal methods for starting an enhanced self-care routine. We can use it as a starting point for our healthy habits, then add and tweak to create the perfect self-care routine.
HEALTHY MORNING HABITS
There are two types of people in this world. Those of us who look forward to our morning routines, and the rest of us who can barely fully prepare before having to rush out the door. One of the easiest tricks to having a more peaceful mind and spirit is to devote yourself completely to yourself each morning. The relationship we have with ourselves is our top priority, and so an hour or even half an hour of dedicated time just upon waking up sets the tone for a good frame of mind and a healthy day.
Sweet wake up
We don’t know about you, but how we wake up can have a serious impact on our day. Disturbances such as noisy neighbors or excited pets can be hard to avoid, but we can create a gentle and calming atmosphere by staying away from our phones and trying some of the following solutions:
Skin care
Once we wake up, we have a short schedule before it’s time to move. What’s the best approach to a healthy skincare routine? We’re glad you asked! Since our skincare and grooming habits are already part of our routines, we can make them more mindful and nurturing by:
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Create a skincare routine that matches our own maintenance levels
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Meet the full spectrum of needs with all the right products or ingredients
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Be consistent so we see steady, incremental improvements in skincare
The recommended order for skin care always starts with a cleanser. In the morning, when the skin has probably been thoroughly washed and cared for, a light and simple cleanser can often do the trick. Silky or gel formulas like the Rose Water Gel Cleanser are good options for prepping skin for the hydration it needs. In this case, the infusion of pure rose acts as a skin care treatment, calming redness and creating a harmonious foundation to build on.
From there, we like to follow up with a toner or invigorating product, like Rosewater Mist Infused with Aloe, Chamomile, and Hyaluronic Acid; again, to create long-lasting hydration through lightweight, healthy layers. With or without tonic in our morning routine, we will apply a protective serum before finishing with a moisturizer and SPF.
Breakfast
Many of us struggle to eat breakfast, either due to time constraints or lack of appetite in the morning; but a daily ritual of feeding ourselves something – even something small – is a great way to help regulate our bodies. Here are some ideas:
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For those with virtually no appetite, create a relaxing drinking ritual. Some options may include honey ginger tea, a green smoothie, matcha, coffee, or even spa water.
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We can’t overlook the quick and healthy option of just having a piece of fruit or a small bowl of berries. They can provide the energy and fiber needed to stave off hunger within hours when our true appetite kicks in.
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When we have almost no time to make just about anything, pre-made chia pudding or overnight oats can go a long way.
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And for those days off when we want to do it all, trying a new recipe with favorite ingredients makes us feel taken care of (even if we’re doing all the work).
Practice
When we’re not motivated to work out, we need to change the connotation of exercise from drudgery to activity – something to expect and enjoy as a healthy habit that supports our bodies. For those of us just starting out, or even those of us who are good with our Hot Girl Walk routines, try these tips:
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Spend 5 minutes stretching before eating or getting dressed, focusing on a different area of the body each day
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Inject natural energy into the morning with a quick burst of cardio via jumping jacks, burpees or floor lunges.
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Get into a fun healthy active habit like hula hooping, roller skating, or short photography-focused walks that relieve the pressure of exercise and emphasize joy.
Logging
We love the creative outlet of journaling and appreciate how it helps us better articulate our thoughts and feelings. A few minutes in the morning or throughout the day can help us:
HEALTHY EVENING HABITS
Evening routines are a bit different in that we have accumulated a whole day of experiences that perhaps contribute to our state of mind and mood. On returning home, it is important to leave worries behind. Remember that home is a sanctuary and our time is sacred.
Relax
Our evening routine begins as soon as we walk through the door. “Relaxation” is how we refocus our energy after a long day full of activity. Some of our healthy and relaxing habits include:
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Change into something comfortable. Although it may sound silly, tight or uncomfortable clothes can be a subtle stress trigger!
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Light a candle for warmth, glow and subtle aromatherapy benefits like the Summer Sunset candle – a slice of heaven infused with rosemary and lavender!
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Try a steamy shower or a long, relaxing bath infused with soothing and softening organic bath salts.
Skin care
Healthy habits start with how we take care of ourselves, so of course we had to start with our evening skincare routine.
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Remove make-up and cleanse thoroughly so skin is ready to receive all the rejuvenating and restorative ingredients of our evening skincare routines.
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Use affirmations while cleansing and caring for the skin to promote a positive mindset.
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Use a product every evening that addresses a skin problem. The type of product will vary depending on the concern, but we have found that one of our other stress triggers is the worry of an unresolved outcome. Going to bed knowing that we are taking care of our skin can only set us up for the best skin and the best sleep possible.
Bedtime
The older we get, the more we have learned to look forward to that magical moment of the day. Now that we are clean and comfortable, heading to our horizontal throne is like a reward! Want more healthy habits to keep taking care of yourself?
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Before you hop into bed, prep pillows and bedding with Tranquility Pillow Spray.
The positive, herbal scent will envelop us as we relax into the sheets (and hopefully fall asleep easily).
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We recommend logging out of social media and news apps at least half an hour before bedtime. It’s great mood hygiene and keeps us from scrolling online long after our bedtimes.
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Instead of scrolling, find a book to read. From self-help to fiction, reading will keep our minds sharp and not focused on our own worries so we can get quality rest and re-establish healthy habits and routines tomorrow.
