Why the rush?
I lived in Sydney for 18 years, and then I didn’t. I loved Sydney, but personal circumstances led me away from this city that I’d come to call home to a life in the country. I swapped stilettos for sneakers and if you knew me? Well, you’d know this was a significant change.
Eventually, I returned to Sydney, after six years away, and it seemed even busier than I remember. Had I changed or was it Sydney? Everyone seemed to be in such a rush. Where to? Who knows. I used to be one of those rushing people.
We’re living in a fast world. Information fly’s at us at lightening speed. News stories come and go before we can even think to ponder their implications on our lives. Everyday, we are bombarded with ideas, products and solutions with the promise to make our lives somehow better.
So all this rushing around got me thinking about the impact on our health, the quality of our sleep, our furrowed brows, our stress levels, our impaired or dysfunctional digestion. Finding ways to slow down and finding time for ourselves may be more important than ever if we are to live healthy, happy and productive lives.
So today, with all this in mind? 20 Ways to slow down, reboot and do the little things helping to push back on time and the ageing of your skin, your body and your mind. Let’s call it a beauty reboot.
1. What are you eating?
Your body is a temple. No, really, it is. Being aware of what you allow to enter this ‘Oh holiest of temples ‘ will make a difference in so many positive ways. Read labels, avoid sugar, choose natural and unpackaged foods over processed food, minimise vegetable and seed oils, eat a variety of colourful vegetables and source good quality protein.
2. Visit your dentist.
I know, one of your least favourite things to do, and you just don’t have the time. Except you do have the time! In the years to come, you’ll be so glad you took the time to care for your pearly whites. The health of your mouth impacts the health of the whole body, not to mention your confidence. Make that appointment now.
Editorial Note: I know if you’re reading this during the COVID19 Pandemic you might not be able to get to a dentist for your general health and hygiene check-up. But, as soon as you can, put it at the top of your to-do list.
3. Move. Exercise daily.
If you’re groaning at the thought, think how your joints are going to sound in 20 years from now. Walk. Stretch. Move. Try doing all this moving and stretching in a park or botanical garden; good for your mind and the walk there will be great for your lymphatic system to help flush toxins out of the body.
4. Maintain a healthy weight.
It gets harder as we get older, but not impossible. Eat well, move every day with some form of exercise, and you’ll maintain a healthy weight balance. It’s not about dieting or restriction; it’s about choosing health.
5. Read, think, act.
Keep yourself engaged, keep learning, read a good book, turn off the TV and put down the mobile device. I know it’s hard and it seems to be getting harder, but again if you can do it, you should try to. Picking up a book and reading the old fashioned way has many rewards that you might have forgotten or need to rediscover. And, if you don’t trust yourself, you can always set up time restrictions on your mobile device. You will be happier, and you’ll probably sleep better too.
6. Enjoy the silence.
As Mozart once said so beautifully; the music is not in the notes but in the silence between them.
If you’re wondering how finding silence can be a beauty reboot? Just try it. See where it takes you? If you can, find a quiet place and sit in silence for a while. There’s nothing better for fueling creativity than being absorbed in your thoughts without the distraction of external noise. Music? Sure, but sometimes the best ideas come in that place of complete silence.
7. Who have you chosen to journey through your life with?
Life is not a game of musical chairs, don’t scramble for the closest chair just because you think the music has stopped. Don’t settle. You’ll be so much happier for it even if that means being on your own for a while. Would it be so bad? After all, what better companion to travel through life with than you? Right?
8. Give. Be generous.
In time, in love, in your natural gifts. The world needs them.
9. Don’t complain about the weather.
Every day is a gift, an incredible, awe-inspiring gift. Live it as well as you can—rain, hail or shine.
10. Find joy in who you are.
In your uniqueness, beyond the flaws you think you have, find joy in just being you and being in the here and now.
12. Wear sunscreen.
Nothing else needs to be said, except perhaps if you are looking for a good one? Go here.
12. Cleanse your skin thoughtfully every night.
Wash away the day, the makeup, the grime, the noise and the nonsense. Everything is better when your skin glows with good health, and the right cleanser for your skin will do that for you. It’s the foundation for everything else. Don’t skip this critical step in your beauty routine. Go here to find out what’s best for you.
13. Sleep well. Nothing works as well as a good night of sleep.
Turn off the day and step away from your mobile devices.
Switch coffee for calming herbal drinks. Read fictional books that take you far away from the thoughts of your day and into another world. If you can’t switch off? Keep a notepad or journal by your bedside; write it all down, then move on to peaceful slumber.
Is your bedroom a sleeping sanctuary? Sleep specialists recommend the bedroom is for sleeping and loving. Does that sound like sensible advice? Yep, I think so. You may also find this article helpful. Sleep, the blessed oblivion we all need.
14. Quit Sugar.
You’ll feel better. Your body will thank you; your skin will age better, and despite what you may think, you’ll gain mental clarity. If you want to know more about quitting sugar, I’ve written about it here and here.
15. Enjoy a glass of red wine with your evening meal.
Of course, a beauty reboot would not be complete without a little moderation. A glass of red wine? Sure, it’s full of antioxidants to fight the good fight against free radicals. But there’s something else. It’s well established, too much alcohol can be hazardous to your health.
When you consume too much alcohol on the regular, your body doesn’t have time to clear the toxin Acetaldehyde, which is classified as a known human (group 1) carcinogen. Sorry to bring you down, but perhaps you should think about how much you’re drinking. When it comes to alcohol? Yep! It’s true, everything in moderation.
16. Do the things YOU love.
Those things bringing you joy and are healthy for your mind, body and spirit. Thoughtful, enriching indulgences, which cause no harm to you or others. Maybe it’s a good book, a new movie or an old one, or listening to music. Perhaps learning something new will bring joy to your life or rekindling a pastime you’d long given up.
17. Change your attitude to ageing.
Being and staying positive about how you age doesn’t mean lazy or not caring—quite the opposite. Take pride and pay homage to who you are with active self-care. Improve your mood by making that little bit of extra effort in caring for your hair, your skin, your body and your mind. Take time for you. Find love in others and yourself. Find the joy in just being the age you are today. You are unique, embrace your wisdom. You have a great story to tell.
18. Moisturise all over. Everyday.
Buy the best you can afford; always look for quality creams. No matter your skin type or condition, your skin needs the support of a good moisturiser. A well-hydrated, moisturised skin feels better, looks healthier and ages well. If you’re wondering where to find the best moisturiser? You’ll find my favourite brands here. Or, if you’re looking for something for your body, Environ’s Body EssentiA range is perfect for all skin types.
19. Hydrate.
Your skin, your body and your incredible mind need water. Drink at least three big glasses of water a day and get the rest from fresh fruit and vegetables. Live in a dry climate? Investing in a room humidifier will work wonders in keeping the skin hydrated.
20. Reboot your beauty through mindfulness.
Be present. Listen. Look up and look around. Savour the moment
Breathe. Let go. And remind yourself that this very moment is the only one you know you have for sure.
Oprah Winfrey
To be honest, I don’t think it matters where you live, urban life or rural retreat. If you’re serious about a beauty reboot, then just slowing down could be enough to change your perspective.
You can achieve a positive and calm state of mind anywhere and at any time if you learn to switch off the noise around you. Sometimes you have to tune out so you can tune in.
As Oprah says: It’s all about living in this moment, right now, because it’s all you’ve got or, in the words of another great leader and icon of the 20th Century?
Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it. Ferris Bueller from the classic 1980’s coming of age movie, Ferris Bueller’s day off.
Oh, and if you’re wondering why I left the city of Sydney? I talk about it here.
See you next time,
