Self-care is a buzz word on every health and beauty editor’s lips. It is all well and good to read about the transformative health benefits, but in most people’s time-poor and hectic lives, how does one truly apply self-care into effective practice? Master facialist and beauty pioneer Antonia Burrell is constantly on the go, so this week, delve into her best practices for small acts of kindness that reaps rewards on emotional and physical health. After applying the following self-care techniques for the real world, trust and believe that both your skin and mind will be thanking you.
Infuse with a flame:
Lighting a scented candle, infused with aromatherapy essences, has a positive effect on lowering heart rate and decreasing blood pressure whilst creating a soft, wonderfully lit environment and relaxing mood. Look for lavender oil within the candle’s fragrance notes, which has been proven to encourage mental strength and strengthen resolve against depression. A favourite of Antonia, try the 100% natural Neom Organics Real Luxury Scented Candle contains lavender, jasmine and Brazilian rosewood. Or experience the divine miracles of skincare saviour; the intelligent multi-tasking Natural Glow Cleansing Oil, with lavender to calm irritation and reduces redness.
Going for green:
Taking in the calming surrounding of a quiet, open green space is fantastic for throwing away the pressures of the day. Have half an hour on your lunch break? Now that the weather is warming up, embrace the fresh air and take your lunch to a nearby park or small green to get out of that skin stifling air-conditioned office. Or enjoy a walk and have a picnic with friends and family at the weekend in the countryside; companionship is important for relaxing and restoring the spirit.
The power of breath:
Diaphragmatic breathing is a truly effective tool to give an instant hit of relaxation to a stressed soul. Sitting comfortably whilst in a relaxed position, slowly breathe in through your nose whilst one palm of your hand is placed on your upper chest, and the other below the rib cage to feel your diaphragm move. The hand on your chest should remain as still as possible. Allow the power of controlled breath to instantly reduce tension and allow for immediate mental clarity.
Declutter your life now:
Beat the anxiety blues, and spend time creatively by decluttering and reducing your life – and this does not just mean the physical clutter in your home. Spend just five minutes daily on sorting through your email inbox, opening those unwanted bills and tackling a small but unwanted chore will instantly give you a sense of achievement, and tick one more thing off the list. The book ‘The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing’ by Japanese organisational expert Marie Kondo is wonderful for provide helpful tips and techniques to embracing organisational minimalism.
Love yourself more:
You are deserving of self love and time spent solely on you. A glorious way to relax and rejuvenate your physical and mental health is to invest in a skincare routine. The skin reflects the health of internal activities and as the largest organ of perception it responds to external pressures of stress, angst and tiredness. This is because stress causes your body to make hormones like cortisol,which increases oil production in turn triggering flare-ups and aggravating psoriasis,rosacea, and eczema. With Antonia Burrell holistic luxurious and pioneering skincare, each one of our natural actives are chosen not only for their skin benefit but for their mental benefits too – it’s in our philosophy. The profound power of plant actives included in all our opulent product formulas such as the Biotech Suprême Pressed Serum transforms your skin’s experience whilst soothing the senses for personal stress management.
Cover Image Source: Nadine Ijewere Captures Yuka Mannami For Allure Magazine March 2018
