Grueling workouts and quick summer fixes make way for nourishing New Year practices that put spotlight back on feeling your best.
Stress Factor
If you’ve ever had a breakout around a work deadline, you’ll be well versed on the effects of stress on your complexion. The body’s biological response to stress sets off an inflammatory reaction and spikes cortisol levels, which may trigger a host of concerns like acnea, eczema, psoriasis and rosacea. Diarise monthly treatments with your facialist to address stress-induced skin concerns, and engage in known stress-busters like meditation and socalising.
On The Flex
We’ve been conditioned to believe that bookending our workouts with stretching is best practice to avoid injury. This is definitely still the case, but expert are beginning to tout the benefits of stretching between exercise that make up an overall workout to reap the greatest rewards. ‘Stretching intervals’ are micro-stretches that can be done between reps to prep the zone – glutes, arms, legs, back – that’s about to be worked. The upside is less likelihood of injury, since you’re laying a solid groundwork to push your body during the subsequent sets.
Laughing Stock
A 2017 study by Finnish and British researchers found that laughing in social situations released vital endorphins in the brain, build social bond and had an overall calming effect. It’s also the premise behind a new wave of fitness situations across the country linking the feel-good nature of a chuckle with the ancient practice of yoga.
Sleep Mode
Quality sleep is one of the most important aspects of a healthy lifestyle. The advantages are well documented: reduces stress, sharper memory, improved weight management, concentration and mental wellbeing are just a handful of the benefits. It’s surprising then that a 2019 study found one-third of Australians still aren’t getting enough shut-eye and women have more trouble falling asleep than men. Aside from the obvious (avoiding caffeine and screens, adopting consistent sleep patterns and relaxation techniques), consider speaking to your doctor or enrolling in a dedicated sleep course to boost your snooze cycle.
Mind And Body
The mindful beauty movement is sweeping the industry for good reason. Firstly, it’s as focused on what’s happening beneath the skin surface as it is on top. Ranging from facial acupuncture and aromatherapy to gua sha (a scraping tool heralded in Eastern medicine), these mindful practices are proof that wellness and beauty are not mutually exclusive. Not ready for a facial with a side of sound-bathing? Look for stress-relieving ingredients in your products, like lavender and lemon, which are known for their calming properties.
Digital Detox
Putting down your phone for an extended period of time is easier said than done. However, there are tweaks to the way we use our device that can have a meaningful impact. That starts with turning off notifications. Likewise, set clear tech boundaries. Give yourself night permission to mind – numbingly scroll for a predetmined amount of time, before putting the phone away until morning.
BEAUTY | The Top High – End Women’s Hair Trends We’ll See In 2021
With the newly introduced Covid-19 lockdown regulations we’re facing as we head further into the new year, suffice is to say that things are looking a little ‘hairy’ (if you’ll excuse the pun). And, with hairdressers now forced to close until further notice and many of us facing cancelled appointments, despite the fact that our … Continue reading BEAUTY | The Top High – End Women’s Hair Trends We’ll See In 2021
HEALTH | What Is Art Therapy, And How Does It Work?
The old saying, ‘A picture is worth a thousand words’, reflects the powerful effect that the arts and creative expression have an human understanding and communication. Art Therapy works to harness that power for therapeutic means. Just as a painting or a piece of music can say something in ways that almost defy description, art … Continue reading HEALTH | What Is Art Therapy, And How Does It Work?
10 Tips For Successful Weight Loss
Being overweight or obese can lead to a range of health problems. Although many different ‘fad’ diets are available, a balanced lifestyle and nutritious diet are the key to healthful living and better weight control. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, around 93.3 million adults in the United States had obesity in … Continue reading 10 Tips For Successful Weight Loss
HEALTH | How To Detox
While recent times have seen the birth of a number of traditional detox variations – tech detoxes (particularly those of the social media curbing variety) as well as skincare routine overhauls seem to have dominated our transformational hopes of late – the detoxes that continue to dominate our health – related conversations and our curiosities … Continue reading HEALTH | How To Detox
THE POWER OF INFLUENCE | Pat McGrath Is The First Makeup Artist To Be Named A Dame
The Queen’s annual list of New Years Honor was released, naming the figures across British society and culture who would receive the crown’s highest accolades for their services to the country. And for fashion and beauty obsessives, there was one name above all others which stuck out: the newly-minted Dame Pat McGrath, who becomes the … Continue reading THE POWER OF INFLUENCE | Pat McGrath Is The First Makeup Artist To Be Named A Dame
