Wellbeing Journal
WAYS TO PRACTISE SELF-CARE OVER THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but sometimes the thought of Christmas leaves us feeling overwhelmed rather than overjoyed. On top of the usual stressors the holiday season presents, this year there’s also a certain global pandemic to contend with. With everything that’s going on, it’s only natural that we might find ourselves in a state of unease.In these times, it is more essential than ever to prioritise self-care rituals. Whether you can carve out just 10 minutes, an hour, or an entire afternoon, the trick is to choose what resonates with you most and make it a habit. Read on to discover our top self-care ideas.JournalIf your mind is whirring, it can be helpful to put pen to paper. Offloading your thoughts into a journal is an effective way to find mental clarity. If you’re new to the practice of journaling, then try setting a positive intention for the day ahead by noting down three things you are grateful for each morning. See this as your very own simple self-care planner.Move mindfullyWhether you prefer walking, running, or cycling, it’s no secret that regular exercise can have a profoundly positive effect on maintaining healthy mental health habits. The fact is our bodies love to move and the benefits of doing so are endless. Expect to enjoy deeper sleep, increased energy levels and a brighter demeanour.Practice yogaYou don’t have to attend a studio to experience the benefits of yoga. Instead, seek out an online class or simply practice a few simple postures from the comfort of your own home. Focusing on the breath is an essential part of any yoga practice and is particularly helpful for bringing balance to a stressed-out nervous system.Book a spa treatmentThere’s nothing quite like a professional spa treatment to truly allow mind and body to unwind, so why not book into one of our Jurlique Spas for a luxury facial using natural-based skin care products? Whether you opt for an express treatment or indulge in a 90-minute experience, you’ll certainly leave feeling fresher than when you arrived.Create an at-home spaIf visiting a spa isn’t possible at the moment, try recreating that same experience of self-care at home. Soak in a long, hot bath before indulging in a nurturing self-massage. Add a few drops of our Tranquil Blend Essential Oil to our Jojoba Carrier Oil and apply all over your body in sweeping strokes. Instant calm guaranteed.Up your beauty regimeOur daily beauty rituals offer us a chance to incorporate small moments of self-care into our routines. Using aromatherapy and natural-based skin care is an effective way to bring about feelings of serenity. We suggest keeping our Blackberry & Lemon Zest Hydrating Mist Exclusive Edition on your desk or in your handbag, lightly spritzing it over your face anytime your spirit needs soothing.Get outdoorsIf all else fails, spending time in nature will work wonders in boosting your mood. Close your laptop, leave your phone behind, and embrace the great outdoors. Breathe in fresh countryside air, swim in the ocean, or simply take a walk in your local park – whatever your tonic of choice, getting outside is key to living the healthy life.
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HOW TO USE AROMATHERAPY FOR STRESS RELIEF
Stress is a fact of life and we all encounter stressful situations at various points of our lives, but this year has brought new and unique stresses to everyone. It can have long term effects on our minds, bodies and skin, and sometimes finding something that ‘works’ is easier said than done. Enter aromatherapy, a natural and oft-cited way to help reduce stress.From what essential oils to use to help relieve stress to how to use them, discover our guide to relaxing aromatherapy below.How stress affects skinYou may notice that your skin doesn’t look its best when you’re stressed. Perhaps you’re breaking out more than usual, or pre-existing conditions such as eczema and psoriasis are worse than they have been in a while. This is because stress can cause a chemical response in your body that may make skin more sensitive.Stress can also lead to your body making more hormones like cortisol, which may cause the glands in your skin to produce oil…which could lead to breakouts. On top of that, you might be neglecting your skin care ritual as your mind is on other things.What is aromatherapy?Aromatherapy has been used as a holistic wellbeing tool for years, with even the Ancient Egyptians known for using different scents to alter their mood. Aromatherapy involves the use of aromatic plant materials, particularly essential oils, to alter one’s mood and promote wellbeing. Its primary benefits come from inhaling the scent of these essential oils, which can have benefits for the mind and body.Essential oils for stressLavender Pure Essential OilLavender essential oil has a calming, relaxing and balancing effect and is probably one of the best-known essential oils. In fact, one study found that spraying lavender spray on clothing was effective in reducing work related stress in nurses for three-four days.Bergamot Essential OilBergamot essential oil is also known for its calming and balancing effects. The oil comes from the peel of a fruit called Citrus bergamia and according to one study, it may improve negative emotions, reduce fatigue and help lower cortisol levels.Geranium Pure Essential OilGeranium essential oil is also known for being calming and relaxing when used in aromatherapy.Or try one of our relaxing essential oil blends such as Comforting Blend Essential Oil and Harmony Blend Essential Oil.How to do an aromatherapy massageCreate your own aromatherapy massage oil by mixing Jojoba Carrier Oil and your essential oil of choice for a calming, indulgent way to relax – try using it when you treat yourself to your next at-home spa day.Other ways to use essential oils include pouring a couple of drops into your bath or diffuser or inhaling it by adding a couple of drops to a tissue.If you’re looking for more stress relief techniques, try these 7 yoga poses to relieve stress. Shop all essential oils at Jurlique or treat yourself to an aromatic massage at your nearest Jurlique Spa.¹https://www.webmd.com/beauty/the-effects-of-stress-on-your-skin
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IS ALL YOUR EXTRA SCREEN TIME DAMAGING YOUR SKIN?
Zoom calls, emails, endless scrolling through social media and news updates…it’s no secret that a lot of us spend far too much time in front of a screen – and now more than ever. Personal preferences of whether you’re a digital native or a technophobe aside, this extra screen time could be having damaging effects on the skin…and actually lead to premature ageing, all because of the blue light that emanates from digital devices.What is blue light?Blue light is a range of the visible light spectrum, defined as having a wavelength between 400−525 nanometers. It accounts for 50% of the sunlight spectrum and is the only part of light that is visible to the naked eye. Most of our blue light exposure comes from the sun, but it also emanates from your smartphone, computers and TV screens. We’re all aware of the damaging effects of UV rays and the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin but exposure to blue light can also be harmful – especially given our close proximity to smartphones and laptops.How blue light affects skinBlue light promotes stressors in skin that can cause photo-ageing; that is, ageing from exposure to light. Long-term blue light exposure can cause skin damage, including discolouration, inflammation, and weakening of the skin’s surface.How to protect your skin from harmful blue lightAs with most things health-related in life, protecting your skin from harmful blue light starts from within, with a diet rich in antioxidants (blueberries, strawberries, kale and artichokes are all good sources) and fatty acids to reduce and protect against inflammation. Topically, you can also add skin care products into your ritual that contain antioxidants, to prevent harmful free radicals and inflammation generated by light pollution. Our Rosewater Balancing Mist is not only hydrating for the skin, but it contains our exclusive Jurlique Rose extract which is a powerful antioxidant.Our iconic Herbal Recovery range is packed full of antioxidants, containing extracts of Viola Tricolor, Nasturtium, and Yarrow, that help to hydrate your skin naturally, leaving you with skin that is soft, smooth, and revitalised.
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