At the moment my bible is “The mind-beauty connection” by Amy Wechsler. It is a guide to reduce stress in your life, to make you look young, and feel more beautiful than ever before. I borrowed it from the library, but if you want to buy it, go here.
The best chapter is Chapter 4, which is a program that runs for nine days. There are 5 types of stress profiles. Each profile has a tailor made program to suit your individual needs.
I chose profile 5 because I have gotten back into the habit of biting my nails, and need to create new habits.
The following is an example of a nine-day program you can choose from:
Day One:
SIMPLIFY
Out with the old, in with the new. Toss out all old skincare products, and start a fresh with a gentle facial cleanser, daily moisturizer and night cream. Refer to my blog, “How to be a lady – Personal grooming” or “3 Step pampering session” for a daily grooming routine. The book also has examples of skincare products such as Dove, Aveeno and Clinique, etc.
You need to establish a regular sleep schedule. Simplifying your bed and beauty routine is easy. It says that it is best to wash your face twice a day, once in the morning when you get up, and just before bedtime. I try to do this religiously but sometimes am lazy. 4 to 6 hours before bed, don’t drink ANY caffeine. Have dinner early, and turn off the TV and all electronics about an hour to half an hour before bed. The light stimulates the brain, and can keep you awake. Dim the bedroom lights and have warm milk or chamomile tea just before bedtime. You will feel refreshed in the morning.
Day Two:
RELAX
Establish daily breathing exercises. A five-minute breathing exercise can help keep cortisol levels in check and psychologically prepare you for the day. Google some breathing exercises. There are plenty to choose from!!!
Safflower Oil. Olive Oil can also be a substitute for putting on your body.
Day Three:
Step out into nature. Make it a goal to get outdoors for twenty minutes everyday. Walking in nature can be extremely therapeutic.
Have a milk bath. Use Bee Naturals, Queen Bee Milk Bath. Try Honey Sugar Scrub right before doing it.
Day Four:
EAT CLEAN
Avoid fast food and processed foods. Drink water or green tea throughout the day. I have started drinking T2 Indian Spice. It feels like it really cleanses the insides of my body. Check out the range on the T2 WEBSITE!!!!
Honey Mask. Honey is a natural humectant. My friend Kirsty of The Beauty Bus makes a honey mask, and I will upload the recipe in the next blog. 🙂
Day Five:
GET ACTIVE
Schedule 30 minutes of exercise daily. You should engage in physical activity at least three times a week to get your heart rate up. Borrow exercise DVD’s from the local library.
Manicure/Pedicure.
Day Six:
FOSTER FRIENDSHIPS
Plan a dinner with family and friends. Your social life is important. If you love to cook, invite your friends over for a delicious meal or go out to a favourite restaurant.
Day Seven:
PAMPER YOURSELF
Learn to meditate. I’m a spiritual person, and I believe whatever you read or listen to affects your brain. Put on some classical music to unwind, or your favourite slow music.
Spa Treatment. Save up for a girl’s day out to a DAY SPA. They are expensive, but you won’t regret it. Or just sprinkle Divine Calm Serenity Milk Bath Powder in the bath, and light some candles, and create your OWN spa treatment. Check out RED BALLOON‘s DEALS.
Day Eight:
SLEEP-IN BEAUTY
Sleep in or try napping. Naps can improve heart function, and repairs cells to help you live longer.
Exfoliate. Buy a body exfoliation such as Goddess Body Exfoliator for $20, or try making one. I will put a recipe for this in the next blog as well to help save you money.
Day Nine:
REFLECT
Reflect on your week. Do you feel physically and emotionally better than last week?
Back to basics. Get back to “Day One” and read the book I recommended. If you read Chapter 5 and 6, it has everything to do with the skin, and will leave you feeling your BEST ever!!!!
Enjoy reading!!!
❤
Exquisite Emmalisa
