Why Restarting A Self-Care Routine Now Is Essential

How I am Approaching Reopening Safely + Top Tips For Self-Care At This Time

These past few months have witnessed unprecedented change – to our health standards, our social constructs, and to the routines we’ve all worked so hard to build into our often too-busy lives. As we've all slowed down on socializing, our work (unless you’re an essential worker!) and our lifestyles, there has been a lot of time to reflect on where our priorities lie. Do we work too much? Do we take enough time for self-care? Are we in touch with what matters most to us? Ironically, a global pandemic became the perfect time to take our future health into our own hands. For many of us, this contemplative time led to breakthroughs big and small, shifts to our businesses and perspectives and, all too often, a lot of stressful thoughts.

As stress builds internally in our minds and bodies, it can become toxic and cause our many interconnected systems to suffer. Holistically speaking, it is more important than ever to clear ourselves of all this accumulated stress. Luckily, there are countless healthy ways to dismantle stress – before it wreaks havoc on our energy and, god forbid, our skin!

Now that life is slowly recalibrating, I thought it would be fitting to take a moment together to breath deeply and share some helpful tips for reenergizing and reasons why we should all think about shifting back into our self-care routines as soon as possible.

Your Skin Has Been Through TWO Seasonal Shifts

This time of unease began at the very end of winter, just as our skin was beginning to reawaken from its long slumber to greet spring with a fresh face. I was so looking forward to offering renewing spring facial treatments to all of you. Your winter skin was likely dull (due to product build up and winter diets), dehydrated (due to indoor heating and long days inside), and rough textured from lack of warmth, gentle exfoliation and healing touch. In other words, I was ready to turn your skin from dull to delightful just in time for the excitement of the new season. Months later, as we prepare to greet the arrival of summer (how did THAT happen?!) our skin is once again in flux. As temperatures rise, exposure to UV rays, SPF product build-up and (if you’re lucky) salt water, mean that your skin is likely thirsty and in need of some TLC. Without a regular routine of skin care, professional product recommendations and facial treatments, your skin has never been more in need of getting back into routine.

All That Sanitizer, Hand Washing And Mask Wearing Has Left Your Skin In Need Of Extra Care

The many additional health and safety precautions we’ve all had to implement lately can really take a toll on our skin! As our bodies’ largest organ, the condition of our skin often serves as a mirror for our internal health. Repeatedly washing our hands with harsher soap than we’re used to, plus all that incredibly drying alcohol-based hand sanitizer, can really harm our skin. When the skin barrier is compromised in such extreme, daily ways, we become much more prone to sensitivity, dermatitis, and eczema. In addition to cracked and dry hands, remember that if we’re stressed and anxious because we have to wear a face mask every day, then not only can the mask be causing excessive irritation, but our stress will undoubtedly effect the skin as well. So, what can we do to ensure we protect our skin as best we can at this time?

• Restore your moisture levels! Moisturize your hands regularly by keeping a cream everywhere you can use it (in the car, at your desk, on your bedside table)

• Try a soothing therapeutic face mask in the evenings before bed, to help your mask-wearing skin recondition and replenish before having to put it back on the very next day.

• Try the Rhonda Allison Pumpkin E Serum for an ultra-nourishing hand moisturizer

• Balance all that hand sanitizer use by ensuring your hand soap is as gentle as possible (moisturizing, soothing)

And Finally, Conquer Stress By Getting Back Into Routine

• Invest in human touch now that it’s available again. Book a massage, a pedicure (Ancient Cedars Spa or Tofino Therapeutics), or a facial with yours truly and treat your nervous system to a reset. Make it a regular, much-deserved part of your routine to lean on healers to help.

• Break for movement. As we’ve all been spending more time at home than usual, be sure to take advantage of the warming temperatures and get outside for fresh air and restorative, oxidizing exercise. Your skin will thank you!

• Try energy work. Never experienced the healing power of Reiki? Having completed by Level 2 Reiki Master training, I can attest that this powerful and ancient modality could be just what the “doctor” ordered to reset your mind, body, soul and skin!