Rest, Relax and Rejuvenate this Labor Day
Every year, the first Monday of September is a day that honors the American Labor Movement, rewarding hard work and achievement by providing a day off from labor. We know that not everyone receives this special day off. But if you are among the lucky to have this day off, have you thought about how to use your time?
We recommend you treat yourself to some self-love this Labor Day, from bike rides to hiking trails, to a dip in the pool and enjoying a relaxing bubble bath.
Over the past few months, we have provided our followers and guests with some wonderful tips and tricks to staying healthy and mindful. Here are some snippets from those blogs to kick-start your Labor Day agenda.
THE ART OF STAYING BUSY
Staying healthy and positive is crucial, especially now, and it’s important to look for ways to de-stress. I’ve compiled some helpful tips to help you maintain a Zen-state-of-mind while staying indoors.
- Mind Health: If you know me, you know I will recommend a spa experience at home, any day, any time, but there are many ways to keep your mind healthy. Try puzzles, brain games, or trivia. These are great ways to stimulate thought and creativity while keeping your brain nourished and working.
- Fresh Air: It can do wonders for your state of mind. Take some time to go on a family walk for at least half an hour everyday around your neighborhood or parks.
- Yoga/Pilates: YouTube is loaded with yoga tutorials for everyone, and so many local fitness studios are taking the time to schedule daily yoga and Pilates classes on their Facebook and Instagram Live Pages. Some of our favorites include Sweat Salt (local Pilates studio in San Diego), Sweat In San Diego’s Facebook Page, OBE Fitness, Melissa Wood Health and Tone It Up YouTube videos!
- Meditation: You don’t need much for this one, but it is so helpful to keep you and your family calm and focused. Apps like Calm or Headspace can guide you through easy meditation for all levels.
- Journaling: I am a big fan of journaling. This is a mindful practice that aids in reducing stress and anxiety.
SPA AT HOME WITH ITEMS FOUND IN YOUR PANTRY
Looking to relieve stress without leaving the house? We’ve got you. Head to your pantry, grab these items, and then fill up the bath! We recommend bath water temperatures between 95°F to 100°F / 35°C to 37°C for maximum effectiveness. Take deep breaths and enjoy a moment of relaxation.
- Epsom Salts: The main benefit of Epsom salts is magnesium, which releases when Epsom salt is dissolved in water. Magnesium is vastly underrated, often deficient, and the fourth most abundant mineral in the body. It’s been used for hundreds of years to treat conditions such as insomnia, fibromyalgia, and constipation. Today, magnesium is a resource used to fight anxiety and mood swings. It’s also a natural muscle soother and athletic performance enhancer as it helps with circulatory health, blood pressure, and nerve function.
- Baking Soda: The main benefit of baking soda is to treat skin irritations - be it eczema, pH imbalances, psoriasis, even the chicken pox. Baking soda soothes and relieves, it purifies, detoxes, and boosts immunities.
- Almond Oil: Almond oil has a whole slew of benefits, as it’s filled with vitamin E, magnesium, phosphorus, and copper. It’s also packed with antioxidants, and is anti-inflammatory, and immunity boosting. Almond oil in your hair softens and strengthens. It penetrates strands with biotin and protects with a natural SPF.
- Coconut Oil: Coconut Oil is 90% saturated fat with small amounts of mono and polyunsaturated fats which have antimicrobial properties. As a result, coconut oil helps with several skin issues including acne, cellulitis, folliculitis, and athletes’ foot. It’s said that coconut oil can also prevent hair breakage, tame frizz, and cure dandruff through anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties.
- Essential Oil Bath Add-Ons: Even if you don’t have a diffuser in every room, there’s a good chance you have at least one essential oil in your house. Any of which are great to add to plain bath water, or on top of baking soda, almond oil, coconut oil, or Epsom salts.
UNPLUG THE ELECTRONICS AND PLUG INTO FAMILY TIME
We are all guilty of streaming our favorite Netflix series, scanning social media for hours, or playing games on our iPhones. Before long, a family of five is scattered alone in five different rooms, hooked to their favorite technology. During this extra time you have as a family, it’s important to take the opportunity to connect away from the TVs, iPads and phones.
Need some ideas? How about these oldies but goodies: Monopoly, Jenga, Pictionary, jigsaw puzzles, Scattergories, 5 Second Rule or even the Sequence Game.Not into games?Try watching a movie as a family, or taking a neighborhood walk.
Additionally, you can share stories at the family dinner table about how you met your spouse, the adventures you had as a teenager, and interesting life experiences your family may not yet fully know.
The key is to appreciate and maximize this time as a family, together.Though life is presenting challenges, the flipside is having the gift of time at home with your family.Cherish these moments – the laughter, the stories, and most of all, cherish the people who matter most.
SPA AT HOME: UNMASKING FACIAL TIPS
While wearing a face mask has been this season's must-wear accessory, they can wreak havoc on your skin.
- "Unmasking” DIY facial: Masks can trap oil, sweat and dirt on your skin and you might find “hot spots” where parts of the mask cause irritation from frequent adjusting. A two-step treatment focused first on a gentle cleansing and exfoliation should become part of your daily ritual. Cleanse prior to putting your mask on and then after you take it off for the day, cleanse again and exfoliate. Make sure to find products that are good oil and dirt fighters, without compromising the skin's barrier.
- The T-Zone has been replaced with the Mask Zone: Heat will cause more moisture where you wear your mask, that may lead to enlarged pores, congestion and even breakouts. Spot treatment with salicylic acid or alpha hydroxy are key for the inflamed areas.
- Create healthy hydration by lightly tapping in a quick-absorbing hyaluronic serum followed by a lightweight moisturizer. During the day you still want to have the SPF when possible because UV rays can be sneaky, even under a mask!
- Inflammation relief: The ultimate “unmasking” relief comes from your trusty Jade Roller or Gua Sha. Soothing passes under the eyes, across the forehead, and across the cheek bones not only reduces puffiness, but it can help tame the redness and calm the skin. Pro Tip: although naturally cold, placing your covered skin care tools in the fridge adds an extra moment of chill.
- Make a statement with your lashes…and that’s it: Ditch the make-up! You're beautiful just as you are, and your skin will thank you for the break.
