Being mindful is all about being present. In those moments, you are completely aware of your surroundings and your feelings. You are sensitive to every sensation that passes through your body and mind towards the environment. We often end up acting like our own astrologers predicting how our day or week will be spent. With such busy schedules, we cannot waste a minute, and thus, planning ahead seems a perfect way.
Even when we sip our tea or coffee, our hands and mind are fidgety if we don’t get to tap our screens to follow what others are up to because we have a fear of missing out. It seems like a total nightmare when we are expected to spend time with ourselves without any distractions. It almost seems impossible and scary to be left alone with ourselves. Our body is not in sync with our minds, and we forget to connect with ourselves. We bury ourselves in work and even spend extra hours at work. That leads to stress and anxiety. We compromise on sleep, skip meals, and rely on processed foods to fill our stomachs.
These might seem like minor compromises, but they have a long-term effect on your physical and mental health. Do you notice skin breakouts, dryness, or dullness when you feel stressed or low? Or even signs of premature aging? It is also something you must pay heed to because your skin is an excellent communicator of how your body is feeling.
It is a great step to incorporate mindfulness into your daily beauty routine to see healthier results. It can be an excellent way to connect with yourself.
1. DRAIN OUT THE NOISE
Thoughts constantly flash in your mind at all times. You close your eyes for a few minutes and take deep breaths, but the chatter in your mind continues. It can get annoying, and the best way to deal with it is to concentrate on breathing. Shut down all the noise about perfect grooming and impossible beauty ideals. It all comes down to self-love and self-care.
You may want to light a scented candle or an incense stick and when you sit in front of a mirror ready to nourish your skin, take a few deep breaths. Let that aroma sink in. Play some natural sounds like a rain patter on the roof or anything light and rhythmic to drain the outside noise.
2. SLOW DOWN; THERE IS NO RUSH
Every part of your body deserves attention and care, so take your time. Choose your skin products wisely and do your research on what suits your skin type best. If you suffer from serious skin ailments, it is always advised to check with your dermatologist about what will work best for you. If you are removing your makeup or simply applying a moisturizer, give it time. Be gentle and massage the area allowing it to absorb better. You will also be increasing the blood flow that will lead to a healthy glow.
3. BE OBSERVANT
When you are mindful of your surroundings, you pay close attention to details to things you missed out on before, like the sound of birds and the rustling of tree leaves. When you pay attention to these sounds and details, you appreciate them more. In the same way, you need to listen to your body. That will help you appreciate and nourish it better. Even if you have stuck to the same skincare routine for a long time, observe the changes. Does your skin feel healthier? Does it look saggy and dull? Are there pimples popping up because you have not been sleeping well, or you pick your face too much with unclean hands?
Changing your skincare product might not be the only answer to these issues. You will also need to watch what you eat and make sure you are keeping your body hydrated. Add in some extra veggies and fruits into your diet instead of relying entirely on packaged items. Your skin condition would indicate if you have not been keeping your system clean. It could also be the air pollutants that are causing skin irritation, and thus, it is necessary to create a daily clean-up ritual for you. If unsure, consult your dermatologist.
4. BUY MORE ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY PRODUCTS
Our oceans are already choked with plastic and other toxic waste. Tons of garbage are dumped on land that pollutes groundwater and caused catastrophic situations across the globe. Many brands have taken up the initiative of replacing plastic packaging with biodegradable and recyclable materials like cardboard, cornstarch, biodegradable plastic, etc. Even lip balms are now available in cardboard packages.
The ingredients utilized in creating a product can be all-natural and organic with zero chemicals in them. You can also take out the time to do a DIY project where you make face packs using aloe vera and other veggies and fruits like cucumber, tomato, beets or bananas, strawberries, papayas, etc. There are many recipes you can search for. Even their waste, including cardboard pieces, can be used to make compost that you can use for your plants.
We commit to so many social events that we forget to prioritize our well-being. We have to learn how to make time for us where you live and enjoy the present moment. Meditation can help you pay attention to yourself and your surroundings. But if you’re short on time, then even a mindful skincare routine can help you connect and be in sync with your inner self.
