Feb 24, 2014 | Uncategorized
These winter days can really get the best of you. Even if you live in a moderate climate, the general feel in the air is that of stillness and stagnation. The chill damp nature of winter leaves our bones begging for sustainable warmth. Investing in life quality should be a priority for anyone really desiring to feel their best in the midst of trying circumstances.
So it seems to make sense to look to how other people around the world deal with these frigid seasons and then try their methods in our own days.
– Turn Down Media. As a whole, our society forgets how important it is to rest our minds from our screen addicted culture. (this I say, while writing from a computer of course) But the point remains. We have a hard time turning off our screens. We likely spend half our day in front of a computer, then go home to watch t.v. and likely watch some youtube or play on our phones before retiring our overworked eyes. So do your health and sanity a favor by turning those screens of at least an hour before bed.
– Slow Down & Say No. It’s ok to say ‘no’ occasionally… maybe even more? We tend to over ‘yes’ people and then find ourselves missing times of relaxation and needed stillness. When we say ‘no’ appropriately, we remind others and ourselves of our personal value and the self respect that should go along with it. You know what’s going to benefit and drain you; it’s ok to set those boundaries.
– Get Outdoors. I know it might be grey and cold outside, but fresh air is so necessary! Get out your rain or snow gear and feel alive. Whether for a brisk walk, run or hike, the strain the cold weather puts on our system is countered by the deep breathing and increased circulation in the fresh air. I know it may be hard, but it’s worth it. Love yourself enough to make it happen.
– Stop Working. No, not entirely. But did you know that in Sweden, it’s against the law to work overtime? It’s not because they don’t want to pay for it. Rather, they know that an employees gives their best when they are happy and healthy. If you are allowed to clock out after 8 hours, please clock out. In the end, your work will be more efficient and you won’t burn out. Live your life, don’t just work it.
– Turn Up the Heat. Leave your thermostat alone; I’m talking about heat therapy. Steam rooms and saunas offer a world of relief, relaxation and detoxification in this season of cold and flu. In many European countries, it’s the norm to have a sauna in your home or apartment building. We haven’t caught up as fast with that one, but it doesn’t mean they are hard to find. Usually your local gym and fitness center will have an option for you. However, if this isn’t an option, take a steam bath or shower at least twice a week to really sink some heat into your bones. An added bonus? Add some Eucalyptus Shower Spray to the steam and cleanse your bronchial passages.
Winter isn’t easy for many people. Your option may include moving to a warmer client, but for many, they just need to adopt some simple practices to maximize the experience to a positive one.
Life is what you make it. If you want to experience better quality in life (even when it’s unpleasant) then increase the quality of your activities and daily practices.
I’d love to hear what you do to better your winter season. What’s your secret? Let us know in the comments below!
by: Navae Fiona
Feb 22, 2014 | Uncategorized
Have you looked in the mirror lately? Are you haunted by the ever increasing lines showing up on your face? Are you finding that the skin you so proudly wore in your youth is beginning to hang out a little further from your bones than it used to? Never fear. Don’t simply run to the nearest medical spa! Below are 5 simple, easy everyday tips for glowing, more youthful skin.
You ready?
1. Hydrate – Water is your friend. Coffee, tea and sodas are NOT your friend. Sure they taste good and we are used to them. But it’s time we accept the truth that our bodies are 80% water and it needs water to function best. Beverages that wet our mouth but actually dehydrate our bodies are an addicting disservice that we have allowed to become an unhealthy norm. If you really feel you can’t live without these things, please by all means, counter them with and increased water intake. Not sure how much to drink? Simply determine how much you weigh in pounds – let’s say 140. Now divide that in half and convert to ounces – 70. If you weigh 140 pounds, you should consume 70 ounces of water daily. Go for 90 ounces at least if you need to include coffee, tea or soda. Now, I know this may seem like a lot. But please don’t be discouraged. Feel free to add a couple lemon or orange slices to the water and make it taste good. Your blood needs water to flow well. Your skin is the organ that tells you when the inside of your body has a need. Love yourself and your family enough to take care of yourself, even if only with baby steps.
2. Green Food – This one is pretty self explanatory. As long as you know that I’m not talking about green food coloring, then you will know what to do. Green fruits and vegetables are packed with Chlorophyll, vitamins and minerals that both bring elasticity and suppleness to the skin. Bonus point? Great for you metabolism as well! Eat plenty of what you already love and begin to experiment and explore the delicious ways to enjoy the new foods!
3. Sleep – Do it. Sleep. Try not to eat 3 hours before going to bed. Turn off all TVs, computers and phones at least an hour before you sleep. Take some deep relaxing breathes and be thankful for the beauty in your life and day. Make sure your sleep environment is peaceful and calm. Then dive in. Sleep, is the time when our cells rejuvenate. Things like mind activity and digestion steal our cell’s focus and keep them from using our sleep ours from the priority of their renewal. Do your body a favor and sleep in peace. You will not only get more youthful skin, but will wake refreshed and more motivated to continue caring for your health.
4. Stress – We all have stress. It’s the common thread in our modern society. We are over committed, over worked and have a hard time saying ‘no’. It’s ok to take time for yourself. It’s ok to make a cut-off point for your work day. When stressed, the body releases the hormone cortisol into our systems, causing tense muscles, emotional highs and lows, lowered immune system and well – wrinkles! Now, this could be a whole topic in itself an maybe that’s soon to come. But for now, consider what stresses you and ways you can relieve those situations and responses.
5. Detoxify – Our body detoxifies itself best through release. One way we ‘release’ is through sweat. My two favorite ways to sweat is through exercise and heat. Exercise is anything that gets your heart rate elevated for more than 20 consecutive minutes. You can decide what exercise is best for you but then stick to it. (Again, it seems this should be expanded in another blog. What do you think? Let me know!) On to the topic of heat. Shower, sauna, steam room… you decide. Of course, the luxury of a sauna and steam room are ideal but if you have only a shower as an option, you will get the most out of it by adding a few sprays of our Eucalyptus Shower Mist to really open up the respiratory passages, increase circulation and further detoxify the skin.
Your health and life quality is our priority. It’s why we do what we do.
So instead of being frustrated at age taking it’s toll, step in to action and implement the 5 tips into your life schedule. You will be so happy you did.
To know more about what we can do for your home or even health spa, visit us at Eurospa Aromatics and we’ll be happy to get you started!
Until then, more water! Have a beautiful day!
by: Navae Fiona
