Summer can be the best of times and also the most stressful of times. Trying to coordinate summer hangouts with your friends, looking your best and staying peachy keen all summer long definitely takes a toll on your body and energy. Over the years I’ve come to relish those rare summer days where I’m home alone and I may have accidentally (on purpose) forgotten about the plans to go to the park and instead have restructured my day to be all about me. Don’t lose your head this summer by keeping it chill and relaxed at all times, these tips are to help you replenish, rejuvenate and re-energize your mind, body and soul on those days you need a little TLC.
Meditation is an ancient practice used to bring harmony between the mind, body, and spirit using a variation of deep breathing techniques. With apps coming out of our ears, it has never been easier to just block the world out and give your mind a well-needed break. It can be difficult at first, but once you master it you’ll be able to meditate anywhere, trust me. Start slowly and use a guided meditation video or an app, such as Headspace or Calm. Once you get your mind right, wellness and balance are sure to follow.
‘Chakra Cleansing’ is a targetted meditation that focuses on the seven centers of spiritual power in the body: root (lower back), sacral (stomach), solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye (brow) and crown. Each chakra is linked to a certain function, such as understanding (crown) or communication (throat). When our chakras get blocked or become unaligned, we find that our spiritual and physical health becomes off balance and we suffer from headaches, negative emotions, insomnia, etc. It’s not going to be for everyone, and that’s okay, but it’s definitely worth finding out more about it and suiting it to your lifestyle!
Burning some incense or sage occasionally around areas of your house or room is also a sure way to get energy flowing. Sage is a known energy unblocker, which is frequently used to clear away ‘bad vibes’. I’d recommend switching it up and using your sage or incense while meditating or having a relaxing bath, reading a book or just before bed. Incense comes in a range of soothing scents and flavors, so pick one, sit back and relaxxx.
Take extra care of your body this summer. Indulge in some homemade face masks, scrubs and creams, which guarantee you an effortless glow! You can use ingredients straight from your kitchen (now that’s almost good enough to eat!). Long gone are the days of heavy foundation, summer is the time to nurture and invest in the skin you’re in. Try swapping out your foundation for a lighter concealer and moisturizer combo, or go for a light glitter lid instead of a heavy smoky eye. My go-to summer look is Revlon eyeshadow putty in ‘Check Yourself’ which I double as a highlighter and a quick sweep of Rimmel’s Oh My Gloss in ‘Crystal Clear’ for a glossy and glowy finish.
Lucky for you, we’ve hooked you up with some natural beauty recipes! Check out our yummy homemade masks, perfect to try alone or invite your gals over for a little facial party! Whatever you decide, please remember to do a patch test with the ingredients 24 hours before use to ensure it works for your skin.
Cooling Cucumber Milk Mask
A lavishly hydrating, soothing and cooling mask which can be used on all skin types but especially for those with dehydrated and sensitive skin.
Ingredients:
2 teaspoons sweet almond oil
1 ½ teaspoon honey
1 tablespoon peeled and grated cucumber
Massage the oil into a clean face, spread the honey over the top, then pat the grated cucumber over the honey. Bon Appetit – for your face.
The Sun-Kissed Skin Spray
Whether you’re sun-kissed or sun-burnt this is a soothing, healing and refreshing tonic perfect for all your skin worries.
Ingredients:
10 drops of lavendar essential oil
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
250ml aloe vera juice
2-3 vitamin E capsules (opened)
Add the essential oil to the vinegar, then mix in the aloe vera and vitamin E.
Store in a spray bottle and shake well before use. Keep refrigerated.
Every soul is unique, so what’s good for one person may not work for someone else, but it’s important to find out what makes you feel good. Summer is all about feeling our best and that should resonate in every part of our lives. Challenge yourself to a bake-off with friends, learn a new recipe and host a ‘Come Dine With Me’ evening, or go explore and find someplace new. Do whatever it is that gets you out of your comfort zone, creating the best memories and becoming a better version of yourself. Again, there are also apps out there that make doing something new easy! Meet-up is an app that tracks things based on your chosen interests that are happening in and around your local area. So whether you want to kick-ass in the kitchen or unleash your inner Picasso, finding a new passion this summer is a sure way to nurture your soul.
By Elisheba Akalawu
