When we hear the phrase ‘Spring Cleaning’ our minds automatically go to our homes, but what about us? All that cleaning can take its toll on us. So, following on from my post about Spring Cleaning your home, now it’s time for you!
Get Your Glow Back
Your body is a great place to start, after your skin has been hidden away under layers of clothes in the winter months, it is likely to be dull and lacking moisture.
To inject radiance back into your skin, the next time you are in the bath or shower, use a Susi’s Scrubber body exfoliating scrubber. This premium scrubber is made of high-quality material, both sides of the scrubber can be used to exfoliate – many other scrubbers only work on one side.
It is simple and effective to use, you simply pop a small amount of your favourite shower gel inside, pop the slip-on mitt style scrubber over your hands (this gives you full and accurate control) and you’re ready to scrub away all those dead skin cells.
Your skin will feel noticeably softer and more radiant afterwards
Manicure & Pedicure
To have neat, manicured nails, instantly makes you feel more put together. If you can’t get to a nail salon, then you can easily bring the salon treatment to your home.
Start by soaking your fingers and toes in warm water for ten minutes, this will soften your nails and make it easier to cut them and push back your cuticles.
It is important to only push back your cuticles, and not remove them completely. Cuticles are there to protect your hands from contracting bacteria. After soaking your nails for the allocated time, dry them on a clean towel. Next, apply a nourishing oil to your nails and allow it to soak in for five minutes.
Finally, grab a cuticle pusher – these can be found at your local drug store and are small rounded sticks with a round, slanted edge at both ends. Alternatively, you could use a cotton swap to push your cuticles back, but a cuticle pusher achieves a neater finish.
To push your cuticles back with either tools, place your hand/foot on a flat surface, hold the cuticle pusher at an angle and gently push the cuticles back, use circular motions as you work your way across the nail for more control. Once they are all pushed back, wash your hands/feet clean.
Next, shape your nails with the use of a nail file. Remembering to only file in only direction to avoid breakage. Finally, you’re ready to paint your nails. Grab your chosen polish, and if you are prone to not painting neatly, apply petroleum jelly as a guide around your nail. This way if you go outside the lines, you can simply wipe away the petroleum jelly without staining your skin – genius?!
Treat Your Hair
The cold weather doesn’t only affect our skin, it can also affect the quality of our hair. This is due to the lack of humidity and hydration during the colder months.
To help improve the quality of our hair, a hair mask is essential. It can provide moisture, shine and promotes growth. Most drugstores now sell hair masks, with so many choose from go for the one which is most suiting to your hair type. I.e. if you have dry hair choose one for this hair type.
Alternatively, you can make a homemade hair mask with ingredients you’re likely to already have in your pantry. My favorite one is particularly good for those of you with dry or damaged hair, but hair of all types will see the benefits on this two-ingredient hair mask. The two ingredients are coconut oil and cinnamon.
You’re likely to have heard of the benefits of coconut oil for your hair, it is hydrating, nourishing and promotes growth, but you may be thinking why cinnamon? However, cinnamon has antimicrobial properties, it is known to aid hair loss and prevent dandruff. It also can help to strengthen your hair follicles, which will improve the overall health and appearance of your hair.
So, these two ingredients make a super-power hair mask. To create the mask simply mix one tablespoon of coconut oil with one teaspoon of cinnamon together to form a paste. Apply the mask over your scalp and to the ends of your hair, if you have thick hair, you may find it easier to part your hair to apply to ensure all areas are covered.
Once the mask has been applied, tie your hair up and apply a towel. Leave the mask on for at least an hour (the longer the better), before washing it off with your regular shampoo and conditioner.
Health
In addition to looking after your exterior, it is important to remember the inside. Small lifestyle changes you make could make a big impact on how you feel.
For example, if you feel your water consumption is low. Aim to drink two litres a day, water is a living element that will remove all toxins. You will also feel as though your energy levels are higher, you can think more clearly, and you may notice a reduced number of breakouts.
Regarding food, balance is key but try to avoid high-sugar foods, which lead to binging. Instead, choose whole foods and foods that you know have a high protein content, and will keep you full. Smart swaps like swapping your afternoon packet of chips for roasted chickpeas.
Also, make the time for stress-relieving activities. Such as going for a brisk walk to start your morning, a thirty-minute walk will improve your circulation and make you feel more awake for the rest of the day.
Breathing exercises help to relax a tense mind. Try this simple one where you breathe in for four, and then release for four. Breathing exercises increase the amount of oxygen that goes to our brain, this can boost our energy levels and reduce anxiety.
Exercise classes such as yoga, which teach you breathing exercises while you move. It can help you to relax the mind, while you work on your fitness. If you can’t make it to an exercise class, you can find online classes on you-tube or phone apps, which you can do when you have a free hour or less at home.
