Americans are feeling overwhelmed. According to a recent survey, roughly two-thirds of Americans said they felt nervous, depressed, lonely, or hopeless. From working long hours to teaching their children at home, all while caring for their family and themselves, these things can take a toll on people.
Many people's routines came to a screeching halt in March, and many put caring for themselves on the back burner.
However, many forget that establishing and keeping a routine can provide a sense of normalcy, and these days people are craving normalcy—whatever that might be—more than ever.
With the pandemic still darkening our days as we enter the winter months, we need to make sure we take care of ourselves, to feel ready to take care of others.
To help you focus on your self-care, here are four easy steps you can take at home to nurture your body and use routine to calm the mind.
Nutrition
Healthy Diet for Healthy Skin. Make an inventory of your nutrition. Sometimes when we are stressed, we reach for sugary comfort foods that make us feel better, but in the end, not only will our waistline reflect what we are consuming, but our skin will show it too. Healthy foods play a crucial role in skin health. A variety of nutrients, including protein, antioxidants, and vitamins, support the skin's look and function.
Moisturize
When your skin is hydrated, it can look more youthful and have a radiant glow. A daytime moisturizer and a rich night cream can maintain our skin's moisture barrier. When the weather shifts, it can affect how the skin looks and feels, and it's a bonus if you relax when you encounter the scents you consider warm and calming. Recently, Herbalife Nutrition introduced its new Enrichual skincare line. The Hemp Relief Balm and Hemp Facial Serum contain botanicals and essential oils to smell great. And they have plant oils to moisturize.
Sleep
Without proper sleep, we experience a decline and a slowdown in cognitive function. Sleep is not only the mind's time to rest and recharge, but it's also a time to allow our whole body to repair itself, including our skin. When we sleep, our body releases a human growth hormone, progesterone, that produces collagen, the protein responsible for giving us shiny hair, healthy nails, glowing skin, and overall skin structure. An inadequate amount of sleep raises cortisol levels, which can interfere with collagen production. Aim for 6 to 8 hours of sleep each night to not only feel great but look your best.
Exercise
It might seem as though you don't have time to exercise but stepping away to exercise for 30 minutes three times a week is an excellent start to reaping more wellness benefits. Exercise, in any form, will help increase your oxygen and blood flow throughout the body and your skin. It will also promote better sleep and give you a boost of energy, enhancing your mood.
In these challenging times, don't feel guilty about setting time aside for yourself. Practicing self-care allows you to nurture your mind and body, and when you feel fantastic both inside and out, the more mental clarity you have to take care of your loved ones and transmit those positive feelings to others.
WRITTEN BY
Laura Chacon-Garbato