A Quick Look At Sunless Tanning

Sunless tanning, also known as indoor tanning, is becoming much popular these days. As the term implies, sunless tanning is the process of attaining a suntan by sunless means. The main reason behind the popularity of sunless tanning is that there are several people who live in a place where constant sunshine is not available and most of the people cannot afford such a vacation every month to top up their tans. Another reason why people are more attracted with sunless tanning is that the regular and constant exposure to the sun rays increases the chances of contracting skin cancer. Sunless tanning offers several harmless and easy ways for people to achieve the desired result.

 

Sunless tanning can take the form of tanning lotions, tanning sprays, tanning beds, and tanning pills. The results and efficiency of these methods differs from one another. Let us look on the four main sunless tanning methods:

 

Sunless Tanning Lotion

 

Majority of the sunless tanning lotions come with the bronzing ingredient dihydroxyacetone (DHA). DHA is a colourless sugar which can interact with dead skin cells resulting in a colour change to that skin. Generally this change in colour lasts for five to seven days from the initial application. Using sunless tanning lotions is a well-liked method for sunless tanning. However, the only drawback is that, getting an even tan is very difficult.

 

Spray Tanning

 

Spray tanning is also the same as tanning lotion; the only difference is that tanning solution used here is a spray. Spray tanning can be done manually by a spray gun. If you wish to use it automatically then you can go for a tanning booth. A recent development in spray tanning is the colourless tanning solution. The solution does not have bronzer and affords a less streaky, more even tan.

 

Tanning Beds

 

Tanning beds, also known as sunbeds, feature fluorescent tubes to tan the applicants’ skin by emitting UV (Ultraviolet) Rays. Though, tanning beds are considered as an efficient sunless tanning method, continuous use of this method can cause skin cancer and skin aging.

 

Tanning Pills

 

Tanning pills usually comes in three varieties - pills which contain carotenoid pigments, pills which contain tyrosine, and pills with no active ingredients. Tanning pills which contain carotenoid pigments when consumed internally saturates the fat layers just below the skin, which results in the change in skin colour. The other two varieties of tanning pills are not proven to have any desired effect on the colour of the skin.

 

The cost of sunless tanning methods differs from just a few bucks to $100 or even more for one or more visit in a tanning salon. However, with sunless tanning you can easily achieve that beautiful bronzed look without damaging your skin.

A Guide To Tanning Bed Bulbs And Lamps

Tanning bed lamps are used in every tan bed or suntan lamp. When purchasing new or used tanning beds, look at the lamps. Make sure they are good for tanning and meet FDA guidelines for safety. Another consideration is access. Be sure the lamps are easy to change when needed. Being able to easily perform the maintenance yourself is important when you buy a home bed.

 

There are differences in lamps used in conventional and high pressure beds. Make sure you are buying the right tanning bed lamps for your bed. They aren’t interchangeable. If purchasing replacement lighting bulbs on the internet, check the make and model of your bed carefully. Make sure the lamps you are buying are made for your bed. 

 

High Pressure Tanning Bed Bulbs 

 

High pressure beds use quartz lamps in a variety of sizes. The gases inside these bulbs (http://www.tanning-beds-tips.com/tanning-bed-bulbs.html) or lamps have pressure that is slightly higher than atmospheric pressure. In these beds, the lamps are located in the top of the bed, so you tan from above only. When you have tanned on one side of your body for about 10-12 minutes, you turn over and tan the skin on the other side. The surface of these beds is much more comfortable than a conventional bed.

 

The biggest benefit of these lamps is the time you need to spend in the bed. Since you tan faster, you need to spend less time in the salon. You can achieve your tan in about 3 weeks of 3-5 sessions each week. With a conventional bed, it would take at least a month to achieve the same level of colour. Maintaining your tan is easier too. You only need 2-3 sessions each month to maintain the colour, compared with that many sessions each week in a conventional bed. These bulbs use UVA rays only, not UVB rays which are responsible for burning. 

 

Conventional Tanning Bed Lamps

 

Conventional beds use long, tube like lamps that resemble fluorescent tubes. The lamps (http://www.tanning-beds-tips.com/tanning-bed-lamps.html) are located on the top and bottom of the bed. All areas are tanned at the same time, without the need to change positions during the session.

 

Conventional beds use UVA and UVB rays in varying levels. Some use both and others use mostly UVA with a bit of UVB rays. UVA rays are responsible for the aging effects on the skin and UVB rays are the burning rays that cause sunburn when you are outside in the sun. It’s important to determine which type of rays your bed emits. You want to be sure to replace your existing bulbs with comparable newer lamps.

 

Another consideration in the type of bed you have at home or in the salon is the tanning bed lotion you will use. Different lotions are better for each type of bed. The owner of your tanning salon can help you choose a lotion that will work for the bed you are using as well as your skin type. Regardless of the bed you are using, you should always use a lotion. Lotions help you tan faster and nourish your skin.

A Guide To Sunless Suntan Lotion

The danger of exposure to the ultraviolet lights of the sun and tanning beds has been well established. The only safe tan is a fake tan. Using a sunless suntan lotion is the best way to get the colour you want without the risks to your health. Skin cancer and premature aging of the skin are the most common health dangers resulting from exposure to UV rays.

 

Sunless tanning products are available in a wide range of formulas. You will find them for every skin type and colour. It’s important to choose a product that is made for your skin type for the best results. Using a darker formula on very light skin can result in skin discoloration and an orange hue to the skin. Many products are marked for light or fair skin.

 

Using Sunless Suntan Lotion at Home

 

A variety of self-tanning products are available for home use, including sprays, cremes and lotions. Even application is essential for even colour. Coloured lotions are available that allow you to see exactly where you have applied the product. You will be able to see any missed areas. As the lotion soaks in, the colour fades. Apply to thicker areas of the skin, such as the elbows, knees and ankles last to avoid darker colour in these areas. Wear plastic gloves during application to keep the palms of the hands from getting stained.

 

Prepare your skin before applying the tanner. Shower and use an exfoliating product to remove dead skin cells. This will help with even absorption. If you take time to prepare your skin, you will get better coverage and your colour will last longer. Some self-tanners come in a complete kit with the lotion and an exfoliating product.

 

Sunless tan products take up to an hour to work. For an all over tan without tan lines, apply the product in the nude. It can take up to an hour for the product to soak in and begin to work. The effect will last approximately one week. To maintain your colour, re apply the lotion every three to five days. You can make this part of your regular beauty routine, or just use them for vacation or a special occasion.

 

Suntan Lotion in a Booth

 

If you want a great safe tan, but don’t want the hassle of applying the lotions, consider visiting a salon for a spray on tan. These use products like Mystic Tan or Sunshower. They are applied by spray nozzles, while you stand in a booth. The process only takes a few minutes, but the full effect won’t be seen for several hours. Most solutions have a bronzer that will give some immediate results. This initial colour will darken throughout the day.

 

Your spray on tan will last between one and two weeks, depending on your skin. Shaving, chlorine and sitting in the sand will make your skin exfoliate faster and your tan will fade quicker. An extending moisturizer can help extend your tan. You can use a home tanning product in between booth sessions to keep your colour.

5 Minutes To Silky Smooth Skin

Every woman wants smooth, soft skin, but not every woman knows how to get it easily. Silky smooth skin has a luxurious feel to it, and is extremely sensual and sexy. No wonder we all want it so bad! We want it because of how it makes us feel, and our partners want it because of how it feels to them.

 

Most Spas provide some sort of skin softening service where they can drench your skin in some form of moisture rich emollients. I recently got to learn one of the coolest skin softening treatments, where your skin is wrapped in chocolate! Can you imagine! What woman wouldn’t want to be wrapped head to toe in chocolate?

 

If you didn’t know, chocolate is a fat, and not to break the mood, but how the treatment is prepared, is they heat the fat and oil produced from chocolate, and mix it into another skin lotion base. Thus you have both the chocolate and the lotion working together.

 

Now I know we all can’t rush out and get the amount of chocolate you need to do this at home. That would be way too expensive and impractical. Plus you couldn’t rub it all over yourself and get every inch like they do at the spa. So what can you do to have the same silky soft skin without the expense? Here is all you need.

 

All you need to do is do what you do every day, just add one small ingredient to it. First, take a warm to hot shower, the hotter the better. Why? The heat from the shower not only relaxes your body, and soothes your muscles, but opens the pores of your skin all over your body.

 

Now shower as you normally would, but at the end, take a wash cloth and soak it with baby oil. With the baby oil drenched wash cloth, step out of the water enough to rub the wash cloth all over your body without being hit by the water spray. Once you have rubbed the baby oil all over your body, let the shower water drench your body for an extra minute, then get out of the shower.

 

If time permits, don’t towel try, but air dry instead. What you will find is the moisture from the baby oil is literally sucked up by your skin like a sponge, leaving you with softer, smoother skin! Give it a try after a long hard day, and I’m sure it will become one of your favourite bath time rituals.

Acne Program: Using Acne Face Cream

In this article, I show you how to enhance the power of any type of acne face cream that you are using. These additives are natural remedies that will keep your skin balanced to help you get rid of acne.

 

After you have washed your face with a chemical free soap, use an applicator to dip into Scotty's face cream or you favourite face cream. Place the cream on your face and spread it all around. Massage the cream into your face gently so the skin absorbs the oils in this cream.

 

These oils will seal the pores and hold the natural moisture of the skin and enhance the curing effects of the cream.

 

You can use the cream 2-3 times a day. It is best to use it after you have cleaned your face in the morning and right before you go to bed. You can also use it during noontime.

 

You can use Scotty's' cream under your makeup or over your makeup. It will work either way. However, it will work better on a clean face.

 

You will notice that when you apply the cream it will tingle in areas without sores and may sting in areas of open sores. This will pass and as it does it should reduce the itchiness of any sores.

 

Scotty's cream has allantoin, which will help to clear acne sores. The oils, vitamin A and E, and minerals in Scotty's will help to feed, rebuild, and rejuvenate your skin.  The minerals also help to neutralize the toxic acids that have contaminated and inflamed pores on your face.

 

During cleansing and fasting, more acid waste may come out of your pores. This is why Scotty's cream will help you to reduce the inflammation and spread your acne.

 

Tree Tea Oil

 

To make Scotty's cream or your own cream even more powerful, you can add 5-10 drops of pure tree tea oil to a two-ounce container. You can experiment with the amount to add. You may want to add more drops to provide more tea tree oil for your face. But, do not use more than 15 drops. 

 

Tree tea oil has been found to be effective in various skin disorders. It acts as an antiseptic, antifungal, and antibacterial. This oil helps to bring oxygen to the skin cell, which kills bacteria and fungus and helps to repair damaged skin caused by acne.

 

Borage Oil

 

There is one more thing that you can add to Scotty's face cream or your favourite acne cream that will boost its acne clearing power. This is borage oil. Borage oil contains EPA and DHA, which helps to control excessive hormones that cause the over production of sebum.

 

It is the adrenal glands that produce streams of androgens during puberty. These large quantities of androgens help to activate bone growth and assist in bringing forth sexual maturity.

 

A side effect of these androgens is the release of excess oil from the oil glands near the hair follicle. This excess gives rise to

 

• black heads
• white heads
• pimples
• cysts

 

So here's what you can do to make your face cream even more effective,

 

Mix one or two capsules of Borage oil into your cream

Do this by cutting the tip off of the Borage oil soft gel and squeeze the oil into the cream

 

There is a new form of EPA and DHA that is available in a product called Neptune Krill Oil (NKO).

 

Neptune Krill Oil (NKO)

 

NKO is the new EPA and DHA product, which may be better to use than Borage Oil.  NKO has the omega-3, EPA and DHA in the phospholipid form, which is easier for your cells to absorb compared with Borage oil. Borage oil contains the omega-3, EPA, and DHA in triglyceride form, which is more difficult for cells to absorb.

 

One other good property of NKO is that is does not have to be refrigerated like Borage. It can be kept in a cool place in your cabinets. However, it does cost more than Borage oil.

 

Word of Caution: As with all creams and oils, if you get any rash or skin reactions when using them, discontinue their use.

 

Use a good face cream to help clear your acne. You can boost the power of this cream by adding tree tea oil and borage or NKO oil.

5 Low Cost Ways to Soothe the Sting of Sunburn

Each of us most likely has at least one memory of nasty sunburn.  Whether experienced personally, or by a close family member or friend, the symptoms are likely to include anything from red hot skin - either tender or painful to touch, to nausea, dehydration, blistering and flaking or peeling of the skin.

 

As anyone who has experienced bad sunburn will verify, the amount of time spent causing the sunburn, is largely disproportionate to the length of time that can be spent suffering the consequences of its effects. In this respect, and depending on the severity of burning, pain and discomfort can persist for several days after the event, as the body works to heal and recover from the unprotected UV exposure.

 

Unless the symptoms are severe (in which instance you may need to consider medical treatment), here are 5 simple home remedies that will cost you next to nothing, and which will assist in soothing the sting and pain of sunburn:

 

1. Cool Baths: Soaking in a cool bath is one of the best ways to draw heat from the skin and soothe the pain and discomfort of sunburn. Avoid cold as this can cause the body to go into shock. Here are some additional things to add to your baths for further relief:

 

a. Add 10 drops of so of essential oil (chamomile or lavender) to the bath. Soak for 15 minutes or until relief is felt.
 
b. Adding baking soda (or oatmeal) to a lukewarm bath can also relieve sunburn pain. For this treatment to work best, try to make sure that all affected areas are submerged. Bath water can be poured over your body using your hands or a soft washcloth. Burned facial areas can be gently dabbed using the cloth, or alternately you can splash water directly onto your face. After soaking, lightly pat the skin dry with a soft towel (preferably cotton). If you’ve take an oatmeal bath, let the light coating of oatmeal that clings to your skin remain.
 
c. Adding vinegar to the bath water will help in taking the sting out of sunburn.

 

2. Rubbing Alcohol: Because it evaporates so quickly, dabbing on rubbing alcohol will quickly cool and ease the pain of sunburned skin.

 

3. Vinegar: Vinegar is an effective and cooling treatment for sunburn. Soak towels with it, and apply to the burned areas. Alternately you can fill a spray bottle and spray it directly on the skin as needed.

 

4. Egg Whites: If your burn is painfully hot, separating the white from the yolk of an egg, and then spreading the white over the affected area will help to cool the burning instantly. This can be repeated as often as needed.

 

5. Potatoes: Potatoes can also be used to relieve the pain of sunburn. Take 2 potatoes and wash them well. Cut them into tiny chunks and place in a blender to liquefy. If the result appears too dry, add some water. Pat the affected areas with potato juice. Wait until dry, and then rinse off in a cool shower or bath.

 

Remember that as well as causing varying degrees of discomfort and pain, repeated sun exposure and sunburn also accelerates the aging process and can increase the risk of cataracts and skin cancer. Prevention therefore should also always be considered more preferable than treatment!

 

DISCLAIMER: These are home remedy tips only, and should not replace your regular health care provider. If in doubt at any time in relation to your sunburn, please seek the appropriate health care assistance.

4 Natural Home Remedies to Ease the Pain of Sunburn

At some time or another, we’ve all experienced the effects of sunburn - be it a light burn or a more heavy burn.

 

Although the sting of regret of inadequate protection (from UV exposure) can be an excellent incentive to plan more carefully on future occasions, it’s of little help in soothing the immediate physical sting (i.e. pain) accompanying sunburn.

 

However if you have found yourself having spent a little too much time in the sun, here are 4 natural home remedies to help ease the pain of sunburn, and assist in the body’s healing process:

 

1. Cool Milk Compresses: The fat and lactic acids in milk are known to have soothing qualities for sunburned skin. Soak a soft cloth or cotton gauze in cool whole milk, and dab carefully onto the burned skin. Do this for around 20 minutes, and follow by rinsing off with cool water. (Due to the importance of the milk’s fat content, it’s important that whole milk be used in this treatment).

 

2. Cool, sugarless tea: The tannin in tea is the active ingredient here, which helps to soothe and relieve some of the discomfort of sunburned skin. After brewing a big pot of tea, and allowing it to cool completely, slosh the affected areas with a soft sponge or washcloth. As with the vinegar (4), you could also fill a spray bottle, and spray the tea directly on the skin. And don’t throw away the used (cool) teabags. These are especially good for sensitive areas around the eyes - simply place the teabags over your eyes if they feel hot and tired. (If you have St. John’s Wort’s, consider using this as it contains cooling properties, which can help tone down some of the heat in your skin, as well as soothing the nerve endings damaged by the sunburn).

 

3. Aloe Vera: Aloe Vera is commonly used to treat sunburn. As well as providing soothing relief, it may also assist in the healing process. Apply to the affected areas as needed. Although the gel extracted directly from an aloe Vera plant works best, if you don’t have ready access to one, you may use an over-the-counter Aloe Vera Cream that contains the gel. For this to be effective, just ensure that the cream contains a high concentration of Aloe Vera than it does water or other solutions.

 

4. Water: When exposed to the sun, your body loses water and essential body salts. Dehydration occurs when your body loses too much fluid, and begins to reabsorb fluid from the blood and other body tissues. To prevent the consequences of dehydration, increase your fluid intake to ensure you adequately re-hydrate your body for optimum recovery and health.

 

Sunburn should of course be avoided where possible - particularly as it’s adverse effects not only include damage to the skin, but also the increased risk of skin cancer. Prevention and protection should always be considered the best treatment for sunburn, and will assist in ensuring your optimum long-term health!

 

DISCLAIMER: These are home remedy tips only, and should not replace your regular health care provider. If in doubt at any time in relation to your sunburn, please seek the appropriate health care assistance.

Tips To Continue To Take Care Of Yourself Going Forward

Self-care is a process. It requires practice and dedication if you want to make it stick. Don’t get discouraged if it takes time to make this new concept a part of your life. It’ll get easier, and you’ll probably find yourself craving your self-care activities so much you’ll wonder how you ever lived without them. However, there will inevitably be times that are busier or more stressful when self-care may go by the wayside. If you find that happening, be sure to follow these tips to continue to take care of yourself going forward. 

 

Follow Your Gut

 

Sometimes we get so busy that we find ourselves living on auto-pilot. That’s only natural during hectic times, but it’s critical that you make an attempt to listen to your instincts during these times to know whether you’re in need of a boost. When you start to feel especially frazzled or fatigued, that’s not a cue to double down and work harder. It’s your body and mind telling you that you need a break. Listen to them. Along these lines, look for other unusual signs that things are off balance with you such as irritability, eating poorly, losing sleep or indulging in bad habits. These things are telling you to take care of yourself. 

 

Schedule It In

 

A trick that helps some people to fit self-care into their schedules when life gets busy is to actually write it in their date book or calendar. Treat your self-care commitments like any other appointment or event. Write down the time you’ll start and finish. Try to be specific about the activity you’ll engage in. Doing these things will increase the odds that you’ll actually follow through. It’s easy to put yourself on the backburner when life gets crazy, but don’t forget that these are the times you need self-care the most. 

Create a Plan

 

Developing a self-care plan is crucial to maintaining your well-being. I shared some ideas in a previous blog post about how to do this. Let’s review a bit, as it’s so important to have a self-care toolkit at your disposal during life’s busiest and most stressful periods. Keep your emergency self-care list and your care package together so they’re easily accessed when you need them. You also make sure there’s a list of trusted contacts to call when you might need some self-care encouragement and accountability. Your tribe can provide the motivation and support you need to take care of yourself. 

 

One final word. Take time to assess your self-care needs regularly. This will also help to keep you on track. Ask yourself once a week or so if you’re giving yourself enough time and attention. Listen to your instincts. Make adjustments as necessary. Self-care is an ongoing and evolving process. It requires your constant attention. 

Don’t Feel Guilty For Practicing Self-Care

In yesterday’s post, we touched on the fact that many people feel guilty for spending time and resources on self-care. There are a lot of complex reasons for this within our society. Despite what anyone else may say, you deserve to focus on your own needs. In fact, it’s good for those you love when you take care of yourself. You truly can’t fill another’s cup if your own is empty. So, I’d like to take this opportunity to emphasize why you shouldn’t feel guilty for practicing self-care and encourage you to do so in every area of your life. 

 

It’s Not Selfish

 

First and foremost, you must understand that taking time to care for yourself is not selfish in any way. It may be hard to get past the mindset that the needs of others are more important than your own, but overcoming this mindset is essential to allowing yourself to adequately meet your own needs. Care isn’t a zero-sum concept. When you care for yourself, it doesn’t have to mean you don’t care about others. 

 

It’s Necessary 

 

Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. It really is like the airplane air mask comparison. You have to ensure you can breathe before you can help those around you. If you’re tired, rundown and overwhelmed all the time, you absolutely cannot give your best self to others. You also can’t offer yourself the very best. Remember that self-care isn’t selfish. 

 

It Sets a Good Example

 

If you’re a parent, investing in self-care is not only good for you, it sets a good example for your kids. Even if you don’t have children, taking the time to care for yourself might be inspiring or motivational for those around you. In order for a stigma to end, it has to be normalized. When more of us let the world around us know why self-care matters, they may begin to change their minds about the concept, as well. 

 

It Demands Respect

 

It also sets a precedent for how you expect others to treat you. When you demonstrate that you value yourself and that you find worth investing time in yourself, they will respond in kind. Learning to say no and set boundaries is good for your relationships. It teaches others how you expect to be treated and makes it clear that you see yourself as a priority. There’s no reason to feel guilty for that. 

 

It will take time to overcome a lifetime of message society has given you and you’ve internalized. With practice, you can come to see the benefits of self-care and that it doesn’t have to be something that causes guilt. 

Self-Care Doesn’t Have To Cost Anything

 

Lots of people get the wrong idea about self-care. They think they have to be deserving of it. They feel like it’s splurging to do something good for yourself. It can seem extravagant. I’d like to change that mindset today. Self-care is something you deserve. Everyone does. It benefits us all, along with those around us, when we put our own well-being at the forefront. You can’t take care of others when your own well-being is suffering. Let’s take a look at some free and low-cost ways you can care for yourself. 

 

Take a Time Out

 

Sometimes just a little bit of alone time is all you need to feel rejuvenated. So why not give yourself a time out? Lock yourself in your room with a nice cup of tea. Listen to some quiet music. Just sit still and think for a bit. It’s a luxury we all can afford.

 

Waste Some Time

 

We often feel pressured to be productive all the time. Being busy is a sign of worth and accomplishment. However, it really doesn’t have to be that way. Just kicking back and doing nothing is important to recharging our batteries. Let yourself have some down time to do something frivolous like binge on your favorite Netflix show, take a nap or just sit and pet your cat. You deserve it. 

 

Do Some Writing

 

Even if you don’t consider yourself a writer, journaling can be a very therapeutic activity. Jotting down what you’re grateful for has been proven to be beneficial to well-being. It can also be energizing to simply do a brain dump in which you write down all the things that are floating around in your head. Jotting down dreams for the future might inspire and motivate you to take action. Give it a try. 

 

Reach Out to Someone

 

Socializing is a crucial part of self-care. Even introverts benefit from interpersonal connection. Humans aren’t meant to be isolated. Pick up the phone and call a friend you haven’t talked to in a while. Sit down and Skype with your favorite internet pal. Meeting up in person for a walk together or a cup of coffee is even better. Connecting to others might just provide the spark you’ve been missing. 

 

Change Your Perspective

 

A change of scenery can be a wonderful source of renewal, and it doesn’t have to cost a lot. Just heading out to walk in your neighborhood might help when you’re feeling stir-crazy in your home. If you’re able to afford it, a low-cost staycation to a nearby location for a day or two is a fun way to switch things up. You’ll be surprised what this change of perspective can do for you. 

 

While these are just a few of the countless ways you can indulge in self-care without spending much money, perhaps they’re just the jumpstart you need to begin exploring this concept. You truly do deserve to spend time, energy and effort on your own well-being. 

Make A List Of 5 Simple Self-Care Routines You Can Fall Back On When Needed

Beneficial habits like self-care often go by the wayside during stressful times. It can be difficult to focus on anything but the bare minimum when life gets hard. The fact is, though, that these are the days when you most need to take care of yourself. One way to have a self-care toolkit to help you out during these instances. Having a list of self-care routines can make it easier for you to implement them when needed. There are some other tricks you can employ to get you through the tough times, too. Keep reading, and I’ll share them with you. 

 

Make a List

 

Let’s start with your self-care backup plan. This is a list of at least five activities you can easily fit in your life during the most stressful periods. Having such a reminder on-hand will let you gain the benefits of caring for yourself without having to think about it too much. This list can include simple reminders like go to bed early so you get enough sleep, eat nourishing food to keep your energy up or ask for help you need it because these are all things you might forget when you’ve got a ton on your plate. During times of trouble, the very basic foundations of self-care can be the most important. 

 

Make a Care Package

 

Another way to boost your chances of keeping self-care at the focus during hard times is to prepare a care package ahead of time. This can include some of your favorite little indulgences like a good book, herbal teas, facial mask, fuzzy slippers and classical CD. Include anything that brings you joy. Being able to reach for this package when you’re stressed can mean the world and make a huge difference to your outlook. 

 

Involve Your Crew

 

When things look bleak, you may require a bit of help to get back on track. That’s why it’s a good idea to reach out to trusted friends and family now to enlist their help for the future. Talk to your closest confidantes and let them know you would like them to always encourage your self-care routine. Share with them the benefits it’s provided you and tell them you’d appreciate their assistance if they see you aren’t caring for yourself as well as you should be. Sometimes those who know us best can see things we don’t. When your crew knows to look out for you in this regard, they can reinforce your self-care needs during times of stress. 

 

Taking steps to plan now can make maintaining your self-care routine easier in the future. Always remember it’s during the hardest times that you need to nurturing yourself the most. 

Try Something New Today To Care For Yourself

In yesterday’s blog post, I shared ways to get started with self-care. Creating habits and adding activities to your calendar help increase your chances of sticking with your new routine. Another way to keep things interesting is to treat yourself to things you’ve always wanted to do. Adding new and novel experiences to your self-care routine is like giving yourself a little gift every day. It’s a great way to stay motivated to do things to care for yourself. 

 

Pamper Yourself

 

Taking physical care of yourself in a pampering way makes us feel good. Pampering is a go-to for many people when it comes to their self-care routine. Think of something you’ve never done before. It doesn’t have to be expensive. A small act of indulgence can have the same effect as an extravagant one. Maybe consider scheduling a manicure if you’ve never had one. A bubble bath with candles can be soothing if this is something you don’t do very often. If your budget will allow, a spa day with a friend could rejuvenate your body and spirit. 

 

Celebrate Today

 

Most of us don’t buy ourselves presents very often or even give ourselves little treats. You can change that starting now. Think of something within your budget you’ve been wanting for a while now. Then give yourself permission to buy it. Maybe it’s that snazzy pair of shoes you’ve had your eye on or the cell phone upgrade that would make your life easier. Giving yourself one gift, no matter how small, can be a boost to your self-worth. 

 

Enjoy the Little Things

 

Self-care really doesn’t have to be on a grand scale. The tiniest gestures can be the most meaningful. Indulging in small free or low-cost treats allows you to spoil yourself more often. What are some little things you’ve never done for yourself that you can start adding to your life today? Have you ever bought yourself flowers? Give it a try. You’ll get a boost every time you see that beautiful bouquet on your table or desk. Think of your favorite food item, the one you have on special occasions. Why not make one day a week a little more special by trying a new version of it? For example, commit yourself to tasting a new truffle each week at your favorite cholate shop. Get creative with it.

 

Adding new experiences to your self-care routine keeps things interesting and can also help make them more meaningful. Novelty will also expand your world and enrich your life. Plus, it’s just fun!

Start & End Your Day With A Little Self Care

Like any new habit, adding self-care into your life can seem kind of tricky. You probably wonder how you’ll manage to find time to do anything extra for yourself, let alone how you’ll actually remember to do these things. One of the best ways to get started is to build your activities into predictable parts of your day. In order to make something a habit, it has to happen regularly. Keep reading, and I’ll show you some tricks to making self-care a routine part of your life. 

 

Make It Personal

 

The first thing that will help you in creating your self-care rituals is to choose activities that are meaningful to you and that you enjoy. This is your practice, so you want to be sure it’s customized in order to get the most out of it. Consider making a list of things that help you to feel relaxed, peaceful, excited or happy. These activities should be able to be done in a short amount of time and easily fit into your life without special equipment or tools. At least as you begin your practice, the things you choose to do should be as simple as possible. 

 

Fit It In

 

You should add your self-care rituals to the most convenient parts of your day. Choose times that are already somewhat flexible so that incorporating something new into that space will be less stressful. Many people go with morning or evening routines, right when they wake up and before going to sleep each night. Getting up fifteen minutes earlier than usual and setting aside a window during the usual night-time schedule are usually things most folks can do. However, maybe designating your daily lunch break as your self-care time might work better for you. Consider activities like writing a gratitude journal entry before bed, listening to music while having your morning coffee or going for a short walk over your lunch hour. Trial and error may be required, but find a moment to call your own every day. 

 

Be Flexible

 

It’s best to come up with a routine that works for you and stick to it. Committing to a particular schedule will help you to create a habit and ensures that you get the self-care you need. However, try to cut yourself some slack. Some days are more hectic than others. You may not be able to fit in your anticipated self-care activity, and that’s okay. Tomorrow is a new day, and you can try again. Soon, you’ll find yourself wanting to take part in these rituals, and getting back on track will be easy. 

 

Getting into the practice of regular self-care doesn’t have to be difficult. Making a few adjustments to your existing schedule can free up some space in your day. Choose things that will refresh you and that are simple in nature will make getting started a breeze. 

Why Self-Care Matters & Super Simple Ways To Treat Yourself

You’ve probably heard the term “self-care” used a lot lately. It’s become a popular buzzword in the media and in personal development circles. However, you still may be unclear on what it means. While the concept does involve taking care of yourself, it actually goes much deeper. Read on to learn what self-care is, why it matters and how to get started doing it. 

 

About Self-Care

 

Self-care covers a lot of areas with regard to caring for yourself. It involves nurturing your body, mind and spirit. It focuses on building yourself up so that your internal resources don’t become depleted. Essentially, self-care is being as good to yourself as you would be to someone you care about. It requires you to show yourself some compassion and encourages you to be vulnerable with others, asking for help you when you need it. What doesn’t fall under the umbrella of self-care are self-destructive coping mechanisms such as using drugs, drinking, gambling or retail therapy. These things only make you feel good in the short-term. 

 

The Benefits of Self-Care

 

There are lots of benefits to practicing self-care. Embracing this concept can be difficult for those who’ve always placed emphasis on the welfare of others. However, giving all your energy to those around you without filling your own back up leaves you depleted and empty. That’s no way to live. Instead, spending time and effort on yourself rejuvenates and energizes you. Taking time to indulge in your own interests demonstrates your worth, leading to improved self-esteem and a more positive outlook on the world. It teaches you a lot about yourself and provides you with insight into what you need to be the best version of yourself. Self-care helps you better cope with stress and to prioritize what’s important to you. You’ll be better able to take care of others when you also take time to meet your own needs. 

 

Examples of Self-Care

 

There are countless ways to add self-care into your routine. The key is to choose activities that are most enjoyable to you and provide you with the most benefits. Going for a walk in nature is great for those who enjoy the outdoors. Other forms of exercise like yoga, running or going to the gym work well, too. Spending time with friends can be rejuvenating, but so can saying no. Allowing yourself to decline invitations or favors when you’re feeling run-down is a big part of caring for yourself. Treating yourself to a favorite, affordable indulgence like a movie, manicure or ice cream cone are all good examples. As is taking a bath or meditating. These are just a few of the ways you can easily incorporate self-care into your life. 

 

Now you know what self-care is and what it’s important. You’ve also got some ideas of how to get started, so you’re well on your way to adding this useful practice to your life.