BE CREATIVE
Massages and facials are not a luxury. They are a necessity. SPA FACIAL The skin on your face is exposed to environmental elements more than any other part of your body. From wind, sun and pollution to make-up and scrubbing, your face really takes a beating. Pores get clogged and regular at-home cleansing may not be enough to effectively remove dead skin cells, dirt and oil. A professional facial goes deeper into your pores, reducing acne blemishes and improving skin clarity, while soothing redness and inflammation. A spa facial can sometimes include extractions which should only be performed in a spa setting by a professional esthetician who has the training needed to avoid damage and scarring your skin.
Mindful people have been known to be creative. Keeping a journal, enrolling in a painting class or planting a garden are all easy ways to be creative. It teaches your mind to concentrate on something other than your day-to-day problems and helps to promote relaxation. EXERCISE Exercise is a proven way to reduce stress and increase your overall health. Many of us (myself included) join gyms and exercise programs each winter only to find ourselves making excuses, not work-out schedules. The secret is to turn your exercise routine into a habit by 'pushing' yourself to go at a set time during the week and sticking to it for a few months. Set your workout time as an appointment and don't cancel — even if you begin with 30-minute workouts for the first few weeks. SELF-CARE Taking care of yourself is a vital part of living a mindful life. We spend a lot of time “checking in” with our children, spouses, family members, co-workers and clients. But when was the last time you “checked in” with yourself? It’s crucial to our health and well-being that we pay attention to our own needs, and make sure that we keep stress and anxiety from overwhelming us. While a spa treatment may feel like a luxury to some, massages and facials are actually fundamental building blocks of good health. These “indulgences” certainly do help you to look and feel better in the moment, but you are also reducing the stress that can lead to more serious issues down the road. When you get stressed, your skin gets stressed. Chronic stress increases the hormone cortisol which triggers an elevation in blood sugar, which can damage collagen and elastin. Additionally, the increased blood flow that occurs when you’re under duress may cause capillaries to expand, which means red, itchy skin. Plus we all know that stress leads to big time breakouts.
SPA MASSAGE
The health benefits of a professional massage extend beyond simply soothing aches and pains. Many studies show that the human touch releases the hormone oxytocin, which helps to counteract stress hormones. Massage reduces stress, lowers blood pressure, decreases muscle tension and pain, improves circulation, and cultivates the sense of well-being. Investing in professional facials and massages will result in an improvement in your overall health, energy level and well-being — all factors that will help you see a vibrant, more youthful appearance. MANICURES AND PEDICURES Taking an hour for a manicure, a pedicure or both can be beneficial. It allows you to take some time for yourself and the results are a polished look and a boast of confidence. No matter how you choose to live a mindful life it takes practice and commitment — but the benefits will be plentiful.
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www. pei-living.ca SPRING 2018
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