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Since the time that any of us can spend in a skin clinic or spa is brief selfcare at home takes on great importance. The spa tradition offers us many powerful resources for healing but its true power is realized only when you take an active role. Rituals of selfcare, even brief ones, relieve stress and help to restore balance to Mind and Body. In addition you can greatly enhance the tone and texture of your skin by following some of these simple tips.
The optimum time to retire is 10:00-10:30 P.M. waking at 6-6:30 A.M. THis will ensure that you take advantage of natural energy cycles. Control disruptions to sleep like pets and getting up to use the bathroom.
Your body thrives on routine. Don't wait until you're starving before you eat. Delaying lunch until 2 P .M. because you're too busy will mean weak digestion. Don't eat dinner within 2 hours of bedtime or drink water within 90 minutes of retiring.
New studies confirm the ancient Eastern belief that excessive exercise actually prematurely ages the body, literally wearing it out. Integrate moderate exercise into your daily routine. Be sure to include some form of stretching. Yoga Therapy is known to increase strength and flexibility, improve physical and mental health and reduce the effects of stress and aging.
Sooner or later you need to learn to meditate! Meditation takes only 15-20 minutes per day-or less if you're truly pressed for time. It's easy to integrate into your morning routine along with some stretches. If you find that you can't concentrate and lack focus during your workday meditation will help to quiet your mind.
The only thing more ageing to the skin than sun is cigarette smoke. Ninety percent of the ageing your skin experiences is the direct result of your sun exposure history. You may not even consider yourself a sun worshipper but most of the damage we accumulate is as a result of everyday activities like walking to the mailbox or driving (car windows do nothing to block UV rays!). Use sunblock on exposed skin every day, not just when it's sunny. Apply sunscreen 30-40 minutes before exposure to allow the active ingredients to begin working.
Your skin needs lots of water to function properly as an excretory organ. Massage brings nutrition and oxygen to all of your muscles and organs. At the same time it encourages the release of stored toxins in the system so it's very important to flush your body clean by drinking lots of water after your massage. Avoid dehydrating beverages like diet sodas, coffee, black tea and alcohol. Sip small amounts (3-4 ounces) at a time, don't gulp the proverbial "Eight 8-ounce glasses." Demineralized skin can't truly benefit from the water you drink so you may want to take a calcium/magnesium supplement daily. Once mineral salts are restored you'll notice a difference.
It may feel good but hot water is a prime cause of dehydration and flaky skin. Use warm water in your bath and shower and use a body wash rather than soap which can be drying. Apply body lotion while skin is still damp to lock in moisture.
Take advantage of the greatest stress reduction tool in your home care arsenal, the bathtub. Bath therapy (also known as balneotherapy or bath cures) has incredibly powerful results. Set aside fifteen minutes and fill a tub with warm (not hot!) water. Light a candle or two, play some relaxing music and add 5-6 drops of a favorite essential oil blend to the water. Slip in, close your eyes and let the stress of the day drain from your body. You will be amazed at what a difference this ritual can make in your overall state of mind.
At whatever interval is comfortable for you. The remarkable benefits of touch therapy have been the subject of much recent research but you already know how great clinic treatments make you feel. Try a variety of treatments to experience different benefits and approaches. Be aware of seasonal changes in your skin, body and mental outlook, and choose treatments that address those concerns.
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