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Why Reading For Mental Health Is Good For You

Filed Under: Mind //

self help books to read for mental health

What is Mental Health?

Mental health refers to a person’s overall psychological well-being. It includes the ability to manage one’s emotions, thoughts, and behaviors.

It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. 

Good mental health is important for overall health and happiness. It can affect how we think, feel, handle stress, make choices, and how we act toward others.

Our mental health can also impact our physical health and overall quality of life.

Some signs of good mental health include feeling good about ourselves, having good and healthy relationships with others, being able to cope with stress and challenges, and being able to enjoy life and allow ourselves to be happy.

Why Your Mental Health is Important

The state of our mental health is important because it plays a significant role in our overall well-being and quality of life.

It affects how we think, feel, and act. It can also impact our physical health, relationships, and ability to function in our daily lives.

It allows us to enjoy life and pursue our goals, rewards us with a sense of well-being, allows us to build positive relationships, and cope with life’s challenges.

However, poor mental health can cause a range of problems, such as difficulty with daily tasks, problems in relationships, and physical health issues.

It’s important to prioritize your mental health and seek help if you are or think you may be experiencing mental health issues. With proper treatment and support, it is possible to improve your mental health and lead a fulfilling and healthy life.

Benefits of Reading for Mental Health

Self-help books can be a helpful resource for anyone looking to improve or maintain their mental health. These books can provide information, tips, and strategies for managing mental health issues and improving overall well-being.

However, it’s important to keep in mind that self-help books are not a substitute for professional mental health treatment.

If you are experiencing significant mental health issues, such as depression, anxiety, or trauma, it’s important to seek help from a qualified mental health professional. They can provide a diagnosis, develop a treatment plan, and offer support and guidance as you work to improve your mental health, something self-help books cannot do.

That being said, self-help books can be a useful addition to professional treatment. They can provide additional tools and strategies for managing mental health issues and promoting overall well-being.

If you’re interested in reading self-help books as part of your mental health journey, it’s a good idea to choose books that are well-reviewed and written by reputable authors and relate to issues you may be having.

It’s also a good idea to discuss your reading plan with a mental health professional to ensure that the books you are reading are appropriate for your needs and don’t pose the threat of doing more damage than good.

Mental Health Reading List Ideas

Books to Read to Heal From Trauma

Here are a few recommendations for books that may be helpful for healing from trauma:

1. The Body Keeps The Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in The Healing of Trauma by Bessel Van Der Kolk

The Body Keeps the Score discusses the ways in which trauma affects the body and the brain, and how it can manifest in various forms of mental and physical illness.

The book draws on the latest research in neuroscience, as well as Van der Kolk’s own clinical experience, to explain the complex relationship between trauma and the brain.

Van der Kolk explores how trauma changes the brain’s structure and function, and how it can lead to problems such as dissociation, anxiety, and depression.

One of the key ideas of the book is that trauma is as much a physical problem as it is psychological. Van der Kolk argues that trauma is stored in the body and can only be fully resolved when it is addressed at the level of mind and body.

The book discusses various treatment approaches, including traditional talk therapy, body-based therapies such as yoga and mindfulness, and pharmacological interventions.

2. Trauma and Recovery by Judith Herman

Judith Herman, a psychiatrist, and researcher at Harvard Medical School focuses on the psychological effects of trauma, particularly in the context of sexual and domestic violence, and the ways in which individuals can recover from these experiences.

Herman discusses the ways in which trauma can disrupt an individual’s sense of self and the importance of finding meaning and purpose in the aftermath of trauma.

She also discusses the importance of social support and community in the recovery process.

One of the key themes of the book is the concept of “complex trauma,” which refers to the long-term effects of repeated or chronic trauma, such as abuse or neglect.

In her book, she argues that complex trauma requires a different approach to treatment than single-incident trauma and that traditional models of therapy may not be effective in addressing the unique needs of individuals with complex trauma.

3. It Didn’t Start With You: How Inherited Family Trauma Shapes Who We Are and How to End the Cycle by Mark Wolynn

Mark Wolynn, a leading expert on inherited family trauma writes about how trauma can be passed down through generations and serves up practical advice for breaking the cycle of inherited trauma.

In the book, Wolynn discusses the concept of “intergenerational trauma,” which refers to the transmission of trauma from one generation to the next through nonverbal communication and behaviors.

He argues that inherited family trauma can manifest in a variety of ways, including physical symptoms, relationship patterns, and emotional and psychological issues.

One of the key themes of the book is the idea that inherited family trauma can be healed through a process of self-inquiry and understanding the root causes of one’s own symptoms and behaviors.

We all suffer from family trauma, it’s up to us to take the necessary steps to heal from it. It may not have started with us, but it can surely end with us.

4. Getting Past Your Past: Take Control of Your Life with Self-Help Techniques from EMDR Therapy by Francine Shapiro

Francine serves up practical advice on using EMDR to overcome the effects of trauma and other negative life experiences.

EMDR stands for Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing and is a psychotherapy that enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress

In the book, Shapiro discusses the concept of “adaptive information processing,” which refers to the brain’s ability to process and integrate negative experiences in a healthy way. She argues that when this process is disrupted by trauma, it can lead to a range of psychological and emotional issues, including anxiety, depression, and relationship problems.

She strongly believes that EMDR therapy can help individuals overcome the effects of trauma and other negative life experiences by accessing and processing previously unresolved memories and emotions.

She offers up a range of practical tools and techniques for using EMDR to improve mental health and overall well-being, including exercises for identifying and processing unresolved memories and emotions, and strategies for managing stress and building resilience.

5. The Mindful Self-Compassion Workbook: A Proven Way to Accept Yourself, Build Inner Strength, and Thrive by Kristin Neff and Christopher Germer

In this book, Neff and Germer give us practical exercises and strategies for cultivating self-compassion.

Neff and Germer argue that self-compassion is a key component of mental health and well-being and that it can be developed through the regular practice of mindfulness and other self-compassion exercises.

They offer a range of practical tools and techniques for cultivating self-compassion, including exercises for developing a caring and supportive inner voice, techniques for managing difficult emotions, and strategies for building resilience.

Books to Read for Dealing With Burnout

1. Burnout: The Secret to Unlocking the Stress Cycle by Emily Nagoski and Amelia Nagoski

Burnout. We’ve all experienced it. What’s expected of women and what it’s really like to be a woman in today’s world are two very different things—and women exhaust themselves trying to close the gap between them.

In Burnout, sisters Emily and Amelia Nagoski deconstruct the stress we experience as women and their compassionate, science-based advice on how to release it resonated with me. The book is revolutionary and its authors are wonderful and wise.

This is a great book to help women move through stress and stop beating themselves up.

2. Can’t Even: How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation by Anne Helen Petersen

Can’t Even: How Millennials Became The Burnout Generation is a book by Anne Helen Petersen that explores the phenomenon of burnout among millennials and the factors that contribute to it.

According to Helen, burnout is characterized by feelings of exhaustion, cynicism, and detachment, and it can be caused by a variety of factors, including overwork, social media, and the pressure to constantly be productive.

Petersen outlines how burnout impacts millennial lives, the generational circumstances that got them there in the first place, and what burnout does to a generation in the long term.

3. Manage Your Day-to-Day: Build Your Routine, Find Your Focus, and Sharpen Your Creative Mind by Jocelyn K. Glei

Manage Your Day-to-Day offers practical advice and tools for managing time and maximizing productivity.

The book is organized into three sections: “Build Your Routine,” “Find Your Focus,” and “Sharpen Your Creative Mind.”, all to avoid feeling overwhelmed and getting burnt out.

In the “Build Your Routine” section, the book offers strategies for establishing a consistent daily routine, including setting priorities, managing your energy, and creating a healthy work environment.

The “Find Your Focus” section discusses techniques for staying focused and avoiding distractions, such as setting limits on social media use and using the Pomodoro Technique to break tasks into manageable chunks.

The “Sharpen Your Creative Mind” section explores ways to stimulate creativity and generate new ideas, such as setting aside dedicated time for creative work, seeking out new experiences, and collaborating with others.

The book offers a variety of strategies and techniques that can help you build a healthy and productive daily routine, stay focused, nurture your creativity and avoid the dreadful monster that is burnout.

4. Do Nothing: How to Break Away from Overworking, Overdoing, and Underliving by Celeste Headlee

Do Nothing explores the negative effects of the culture of overworking and overachievement and offers strategies for reclaiming our time and finding balance in our lives.

In the book, Headlee argues that our obsession with productivity and achievement is leading us to neglect our own well-being and that of our communities.

She discusses the importance of taking breaks and finding ways to disconnect from the constant demands of work and technology. She also offers practical advice for establishing healthy habits and finding ways to prioritize rest and relaxation.

Do Nothing is a thought-provoking examination of our culture of overworking and a helpful guide for anyone looking to reclaim their time and find balance in their lives.

She offers a variety of strategies and techniques for breaking away from the cycle of overworking and overdoing and finding more time for rest, relaxation, and meaningful connection with others.

5. The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness by Andy Puddicombe

The Headspace Guide to Meditation and Mindfulness by Andy Puddicombe introduces the practice of meditation and mindfulness and offers guidance for establishing a daily meditation practice.

Puddicombe explains the benefits of meditation and mindfulness, including reducing stress, improving focus and concentration, increasing feelings of happiness and well-being, and avoiding burnout.

He also provides a variety of meditation techniques and exercises, as well as tips for establishing a daily meditation practice and making meditation a part of your daily routine.

Books to Read for Handling Stress and Anxiety

1. The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook by Edmund J. Bourne

The Anxiety and Phobia Workbook offers strategies and techniques for managing anxiety and stress. The book is designed to help readers identify the causes of their anxiety and stressors and develop coping strategies to manage and reduce their symptoms.

The book covers a wide range of anxiety-related issues, including panic attacks, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, and specific phobias.

It includes exercises and activities to help readers identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, relax their bodies, and develop coping skills for managing anxiety and phobias. It also provides guidance for seeking professional help and working with a therapist to address anxiety and phobias.

Overall it is a comprehensive and practical resource for anyone looking to better understand and manage their anxiety, phobias, and stress. It offers a variety of strategies and techniques that can help readers reduce their symptoms and improve their overall well-being.

2. The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook by Martha Davis, Elizabeth Eshelman, and Matthew McKay

The Relaxation and Stress Reduction Workbook offers strategies and techniques for managing stress and promoting relaxation.

The book is designed to help readers identify the sources of their stress and develop coping strategies to manage and reduce their stress levels.

The book covers a wide range of stress-related issues, including time management, communication skills, and coping with change. It includes exercises and activities to help readers identify and challenge negative thoughts and beliefs, relax their bodies, and develop coping skills for managing stress.

It also provides guidance for seeking professional help and working with a therapist to address stress and related issues.

3. The Worry Cure: Seven Steps to Stop Worry from Stopping You by Robert L. Leahy

The Worry Cure is a self-help book by Robert L. Leahy that offers strategies for managing and reducing worry and anxiety. In the book, Leahy discusses the causes of worry and anxiety and provides a seven-step program for overcoming them.

The seven steps outlined in the book include:

1. Identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs

2. Setting goals and priorities

3. Developing problem-solving skills

4. Using relaxation techniques to manage physical symptoms of anxiety

5. Engaging in enjoyable activities

6. Seeking social support

7. Seeking professional help when necessary

Throughout the book, Leahy provides exercises and activities to help readers implement these strategies and overcome their worries and anxiety.

4. The Stress-Proof Brain: Master Your Emotional Response to Stress Using Mindfulness and Neuroplasticity by Melanie Greenberg

The Stress-Proof Brain is a self-help book written by Melanie Greenberg, a clinical psychologist, and expert on stress and emotion regulation.

In her book, Greenberg explores the latest research on the brain’s response to stress and how we can use mindfulness and neuroplasticity (the brain’s ability to change and adapt) to better manage our emotional reactions.

The book presents a number of strategies and techniques for reducing stress and improving well-being, including mindfulness practices, cognitive-behavioral techniques, and self-care practices.

Greenberg also discusses how to communicate effectively and build supportive relationships, which can be an important part of stress management.

Her goal is to help readers develop a more resilient and stress-proof brain and to live a happier, healthier life

5. Be Calm: Proven Techniques to Stop Anxiety Now by Jill Weber

Be Calm is a great workbook for managing and reducing anxiety. In the book, Weber discusses the causes of anxiety and provides a range of strategies for overcoming it.

Some of the strategies discussed in the book include:

–Identifying and challenging negative thoughts and beliefs

–Practicing relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation

–Engaging in physical activity and other enjoyable activities

–Seeking social support and building healthy relationships

–Seeking professional help when necessary

Throughout the book, Weber provides exercises and activities to help readers implement these strategies and reduce their anxiety.

Books to Read When You’re Feeling Depressed

1. Feeling Good: The New Mood Therapy by David D. Burns

This book provides mechanisms for managing and improving mood.

The book is based on the principles of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), which is a type of therapy that focuses on changing negative patterns of thought and behavior.

In the book, Burns discusses the causes of negative moods and provides a range of strategies for improving them.

He covers topics such as identifying and challenging negative thoughts, setting goals and solving problems, and building healthy relationships. He also provides exercises and activities to help readers implement these strategies and improve their moods.

2. The Depression Cure: The 6-Step Program to Beat Depression without Drugs by Stephen Ilardi

This book provides a natural, research-based approach to managing and overcoming depression.

The Depression Cure argues that depression is largely a result of a mismatch between the way our minds and bodies evolved to function and the way we live today.

Ilardi presents a number of strategies for overcoming depression, including exercise, sunlight, sleep, and social support, as well as dietary and lifestyle changes. The book also includes a number of exercises and techniques for managing stress and improving mood.

3. The Mindful Way through Depression: Freeing Yourself from Chronic Unhappiness by Mark Williams, John Teasdale, Zindel Segal, and Jon Kabat-Zinn

The Mindful Way through Depression is a self-help book that combines the principles of mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help readers overcome depression.

The authors are all leading experts in the field of mindfulness and mental health.

In the book, they present a step-by-step program for overcoming depression, including exercises for developing mindfulness skills and techniques for changing negative thought patterns.

The book also includes guided meditations and other mindfulness practices to help readers stay present and focused in the present moment. The goal of the book is to help readers break the cycle of negative thinking and cultivate lasting happiness and well-being.

4.  The Noonday Demon: An Atlas of Depression by Andrew Solomon

A writer and lecturer on psychology, politics, and the arts, Solomon, provides us with a personal and cultural exploration of depression, drawing on his own experience with the disorder as well as the stories of others who have struggled with it.

Solomon also explores the history, science, and cultural impact of depression, and he discusses a wide range of treatments, including medication, therapy, and alternative approaches.

The Noonday Demon is widely considered a classic work on depression, and it has received numerous accolades for its depth, insight, and humanity.

5. The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris

In the book, medical doctor and psychotherapist, Harris argues that our pursuit of happiness often leads to suffering and disappointment, and he presents a new approach to finding lasting well-being.

The book is based on the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy that emphasizes acceptance, mindfulness, and taking meaningful action.

Harris suggests that by learning to accept our thoughts and feelings, rather than struggling against them, we can break free from the “happiness trap” and live a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

The book includes a number of exercises and techniques for practicing ACT, as well as guidance for applying the principles to different areas of life.

Other Ways to Improve Your Mental Health

There are many different ways to improve your mental health. Here are a few strategies that you can try:

1. Exercise regularly: Physical activity has been shown to have numerous benefits on our mental health, including reducing stress, improving mood, and increasing self-esteem.

2. Eat a healthy diet: A healthy diet can provide your body and mind with the nutrients they need to function optimally.

3. Getting enough rest: Adequate sleep is important for mental health, as it helps to repair and restore the body and mind.

4. Practice stress management techniques: There are many different stress management techniques that you can try, such as deep breathing, meditation, and mindfulness.

5. Stay connected: Maintaining social connections is important for mental health. Consider joining a group or club, volunteering, or simply spending time with friends and loved ones.

Remember that it’s important to find the strategies that work best for you. It may take some trial and error to find what works best, but with persistence and a positive attitude, you can improve your mental health.

When to See a Professional

There are several signs that it might be time to seek help from a mental health professional:

1. You’re experiencing persistent and intense emotions, such as sadness, anxiety, or anger, that interfere with your daily life.

2. You’re having difficulty with relationships or completing your daily tasks.

3. You’re experiencing changes in your appetite, sleep patterns, or energy level.

4. You’re having harmful thoughts towards yourself and/or others.

5. You’re using alcohol or drugs to cope with your emotions.

6. You’re feeling disconnected from reality or experiencing hallucinations.

7. You just don’t feel like yourself anymore.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek help from a mental health professional. They can help you determine the cause of your symptoms and develop a treatment plan to address them.

However, you know yourself best, no matter what symptoms you may or may not be experiencing, you can always seek professional help if you feel so. There is no one-size-fits-all, listen to your emotions, body, and soul.

Don’t hesitate to reach out for support if you need it.

Essentials For The Perfect At-Home Spa Day

Filed Under: Self Care //

Visiting a spa is one of the oldest forms of self-care out there. Facials, full-body massages, and mud baths, what else’s could you hope for?

But spas can get pretty pricey, pretty quickly.

Instead, taking the DIY route can be cheaper and you may even enjoy it more. Having the feel of a luxury spa in the comfort of your home.

So for your next at-home spa day, here are all the essentials you could possibly need.

Fluffy White Robe

Can you even think of a spa and not see a fluffy white robe? Emulate the experience you get from a spa right in your own home by wrapping yourself in this warm comfy robe.

Jade Roller or Gua Sha

When stored in the fridge, the cooling stone (when stored in a skincare fridge) of a gua sha or jade roller can reduce the appearance of puffiness and help you relax and unwind.

You can use it to massage your face and stimulate lymphatic drainage.

Bath Bombs or Shower Bombs

Whether you want one because of its relaxing scent or because you think they are pretty. Bath/Shower bombs are great for transforming any bathtime routine into a luxury experience. Indulge your senses whenever you take a bath or shower.

Bath Salts

Accompanied with a bath bomb, a handful of these bath salts will work wonders in transforming your bath into a luxury experience.

Not to mention, the soothing effects on sore muscles and relax your mind.

Body Scrubs

Body scrubs are great for removing dirt and dead skin cells from your body. They can cleanse your skin and give you a healthy glow. Not to mention, you’ll be left smelling wonderful.

Dry Brush

Dry brushing works by exfoliating the skin. It is a body massage you give yourself with a stiff bristled brush with nothing on it.

It can help remove dry, flaky skin from your body.

Face Masks

You cant have an at-home self-care spa day without a face mask. Whether it’s a Tumeric sheet mask, activated charcoal mud mask, or a brightening face mask.

Face masks include ingredients that can hydrate your skin and give you a healthy, youthful glow.

Facial Steamer

Your face gets polluted with dirt dust and makeup every day and steaming your face is a great way to leam off the grime and open up your pores.

Using a facial steamer designed to work with essential oils for a spa-like facial at home.

Use a mix of lavender and tea tree oil for acne-prone skin or lavender and rosehip for dry skin.

Candles

Lighting your favorite candle will add a calming effect to your at-home spa day. I like to use lavender-scented candles for a soothing effect or eucalyptus after I have had a long hard day.

Lighting the right scent can transform you into anywhere you want to be.

Lip Scrub

Lip scrubs are by far the easiest scrubs to do. They help exfoliate chapped lips and will leave them feeling plump and hydrated.

Aromatherapy Body Lotion

Aromatherapy lotion has become part of my daily self-care routine. They are ultra creamy, fast absorbing with nourishing vitamins, and are formulated to give your skin long-lasting moisture.

Essential Oils

No matter what the occasion, you’ll always need essential oils for any self-care day. Here is a list of essential oils for all your needs:

–Lavender: Calming, reduces anxiety, and promotes better sleep and relaxation.

–Eucalyptus: Soothing and relaxing.

–Chamomile: Calming scent that can aid in sleep.

–Orange: Mood-boosting and energizing, perfect for meditation.

–Lemongrass: Soothing, uplifting, and anxiety-reducing.

Incense

Sandalwood incense is often burned to create a comforting and peaceful environment to help with uplifting your mood.

Diffuser

Paired with your favorite essential oils, a diffuser can help indulge your senses and take you to a great place of relaxation.

Comfy Slippers

Paired with your fluffy white robe, slippers will leave you feeling warm and snuggled up.

Hair Mask

Hair masks can help moisturize and nourish your hair. They’re especially beneficial for dry, damaged, or frizzy hair.

Some hair masks may improve the health of your scalp and boost hair strength of dry brittle hair.

Foot Spa

Foot baths are affordable and compact, but can work wonders on tired and sore feet. Accompanied by bath salts and warm water, you can create your own at-home salon and have yourself a luxury experience.

Bath Caddy

Designed to rest across your tub and give you space for everything you could possibly need or want on hand (your candles, a book, a tablet, and yes, even a glass of wine), a bath caddy is exactly what you need to soak your cares away.

Jacuzzi Mat

There are a few things, that we have mentioned, you can do to make your warm bubble bath even more relaxing! Take your spa experience to another level by adding a jacuzzi mat to your bathtub to transform it into a jacuzzi.

Equipped with all the essentials for the perfect spa day, you are now ready to transform your home into a luxury spa.

How to do a Pedicure At-home That’s Salon-Worthy

Filed Under: Nail Ideas //

foot massage spa

There’s something about getting a pedicure or manicure that makes you feel fancy. And as soon as it’s sandal season, it’s time to whip your toes back into shape.

That being said, sometimes a trip to the salon just isn’t happening.

The good news is, doing your at-home pedicure can save you time and money.

With these easy steps, your feet will be looking better than if they had just come from an actual foot spa.

Step 1: Prep Your Toes For Your At-Home Pedicure

To kick off your at-home pedicure remove any old polish with a cotton pad and nail polish remover. Hold the pad on each nail for a few seconds to allow the nail polish to break down, then wipe it away.

A good nail polish remover will remove any stubborn colors quickly, but acetone is used for better results.

Cutex Ultra-Powerful Nail Polish Remover

ZOYA Remove Plus 3 in 1 Formula

Step 2: Soak Your Feet and Toes in a Foot Bath

Now that you’re all set for your pedicure, whip out your foot bath and get ready to be transported to absolute bliss(if you don’t have a foot bath, you can fill up a bucket with water and use that instead).

Fill your bath/bucket with warm water and your favorite bath salt. Now submerge your feet.

Soak your feet for 10-15 minutes or until the water runs cold, this will help soften your cuticles and calluses. Then dry off your feet.

Conair HEAT SENSE Pedicure Foot Spa Bath

Tea Tree Oil Foot Soak with Epsom Salt

Step 3: Remove Calluses

Now it’s time to get down and dirty. This is most people’s favorite part of a pedicure. It can be satisfying to feel how smooth your feet get after grinding off all that dead skin.

Grab your foot file, pumice stone, or washcloth for a gentler approach, and begin grinding.

Focus on any problem areas you may have, calluses, corns, or rough heels.

Natural Earth Lava Pumice Stone Black

Colossal Foot Rasp & Wood Handle Callus Shaver

Step 4: Trim, Shape, and Buff Your Nails

Cut down your nails and begin shaping them. Start by cutting toenails straight across and then filing down the edges, this will prevent ingrown nails.

Use your buffer to prep your nails for the polish, removing the top layer of the nail will help your pedicure last even longer.

Add a bit of cuticle oil on and around your prepped nails for a finishing touch.

Step 5: Massage Your Feet With Your Favorite Lotion

With a foot cream or body lotion of your choosing, begin massaging your toes and feet until they are tender and you feel more relaxed.

The massage will both relax you and hydrate your feet after you’ve just scrubbed off all your calluses, if you have a foot spa massager, you can use it to really get in there.

After you’ve finished, grab a new cotton pad and wipe away any excess oil and lotion. This will help your polish last longer. Now grab your toe separators and you’re all set for your polish.

Nekteck Foot Massager with Heat

Arnica Sore Muscle Massage Oil for Body and Feet

Step 6: Apply Your Base Coat

After your nails are cleaned and buffed, it’s time to add your base coat.

The base coat acts as a barrier between your natural nails and the actual polish. Using this will help your pedicure last even longer, so don’t skip this step of your DIY pedicure if you want it to look professional.

No Wipe Gel Matte Mirror Top Coat Base Coat

AILLSA Gel Base and Top Coat Set

Step 7: Paint Your Toenails

Once your base layer has dried and set, apply a layer of your nail polish of choice.

Let it dry and apply a second layer. Make sure to apply it in thin layers, because you can achieve an even finish and it allows for faster drying time.

Step 8: Finnish Off Your At-Home Spa With a Top Coat

Another very important step for a long-lasting, professional-looking pedicure.

A thin layer of top coat will seal everything in and prevents premature chipping after it has dried and a few drops of cuticle oil to really finish it off.

An at-home pedicure is as simple as you make it. In eight simple steps, you now have a salon-worthy pedicure in under 30 minutes.

For a full spa experience, try these at-home spa treatments and make sure to grab all the essentials to make it extra perfect.

How to Have a Budget Spa Day At Home

Filed Under: Self Care //

Every now and then, life gets the best of us, and we’re left feeling tired and overwhelmed, and just needing to unwind.

A spa day would help you get well-deserved rest, but fancy hotel spas can get pretty pricey and fast.

Setting up your own at-home spa is easy! Follow these easy steps to set up your pamper day in the comfort of your home.

Benefits of DIY Spa Day

1. Helps to destress:

A relaxing spa day at home is one of the best ways to relieve the week’s stress and quiet your mind.

No matter the treatment, you’re going to notice that your mind immediately begins to feel at ease when you pamper yourself and finally treat yourself to a rare and highly deserved moment of “me” time and a self-care day.

Just a few of our suggested relaxing at-home spa treatments will leave you feeling rejuvenated and refreshed.

2. Enhances your sleep:

Getting proper sleep is vital, yet can be really hard to achieve. Many of us are so busy that we don’t have enough time in a day to get well rested.

With stress from work, school, relationships, and overall responsibilities, the time we do spend in bed can be stressful and our minds just don’t seem to want to shut off.

After a wonderful time of facials, self-pampering, and body treatments, your body will naturally unwind for a great night’s sleep.

3. Makes you a happier person:

As if you needed even more reasons, spas are healing to both your mind and soul. It allows your mind to clear out all your negative thoughts.

Add in the factor of being in your own home, so much serotonin and dopamine-you might just overdose.

This is why many people who suffer from depression choose to regularly treat themselves to a relaxing spa treatment and there are many more benefits to pampering yourself.

4. Self-Care:

If you’re looking to enhance your self-confidence, you can rest assured that plenty of these treatments are incredibly effective. You can use this chance to address any beauty concerns you may haven’t had any time to take care of lately.

Acne breakouts, split ends, dull hair, or any chipped nail you haven’t had time to attend to.

At the end of the day, you’re going to feel significantly better after you’ve treated yourself to this amazing pamper day in your at-home spa.

It’s only natural to feel your best self after pampering yourself. Whether you treat yourself with a facial, a pedicure, or an aromatherapy shower. 

Either way, you can look forward to ending the night feeling radiant and the best version of yourself.

Step 1: Preparing for your Selfcare day

Supplies for at home spa day

For the perfect at-home spa day, preparation is key. Having an at-home spa day checklist will help you figure out everything you need.

Have all your supplies ready and at hand to avoid any distractions and not break your flow of relaxation at any point.

Taking the time to ensure that you have everything you need allows you to stay in the moment and make this spa day the best you’ve ever had.

Step 2: Set the Scene for your at-home spa day

The reason why spas are so successful is that they know exactly how to engage all your senses, getting your mind and body instantly relaxed.

You can recreate this tranquil atmosphere with these simple steps.

–The Perfect Scent: Aromatherapy plays a vital role in helping your mind and body to relax and release. Consider setting up your diffuser with your favorite essential oils. I recommend lavender, chamomile, or eucalyptus for stress relief, especially after a long day.

–Create Ambiance with Lighting: Light a few of your favorite candles, dim the light and burn some incense. This will make your home feel warm and cozy, adding to the aromatherapy and relaxing scents from the diffuser.

–Set the Tone With Good Music: The right type of music can really make you feel like you’re in a luxury spa. The music can help drown out any noise around you and isolate you for your night. You can try using beach sounds or waves instead of music for an even more tranquil atmosphere.

–Get Cosy: Throw on a fluffy white robe and soft slippers, the warmth on your skin will really transport you to luxury.

Step 3: Spa Ideas: Activities and Treatments

Now that your scene has been set and you’ve acquired all your supplies. It’s time to relax.

Here is a list of activities and treatments that will leave you feeling pampered and refreshed.

1. Soak Away Your Day With a Warm Bubble Bath

Pamper day spa at home

Draw a hot relaxing bath and pour in a soothing bath salt or moisturizing bath bomb. Surrounded by your candles and calming music, your bath will set you up for the best spa day you’ve ever experienced.

-Use essential oils, bath salts, and a bath bomb for an aromatherapy bath time.

-To better enjoy your glass of wine, read your favorite book, or watch an entertaining show in your bath, set up your bath caddy to make your experience as luxe as possible.

-Invest in a jacuzzi mat, a jacuzzi bath mat is a long mat with suction cups under it. You attach it to the bottom of your bathtub and connect an air hose that blows bubbles into your tub, massaging your back in the process so are heated to allow for a more thorough massage.

–Meditate, quiet your mind, and be fully in the present. Focus on your breathing and reflect on the day you’ve had, really wind down, and allow yourself to relax.

2. At Home Steam Facial

Follow this six-step facial to make your skin feel purified and pampered.

–Cleanse: Start your home spa facial with pure, clean skin. Lift away any impurities with your favorite cleanser. Use it twice for a double cleanse.

–Exfoliate: Now follow up with a gentle face scrub, you can choose between a chemical or a physical exfoliant. Exfoliating can be vital in an anti-aging skincare routine, as it can help encourage healthier growth. Clean skin is healthier skin all around.

-Steam Facial: Now that you have a clean fresh face, we can use a facial steamer designed to work with essential oils and open up your pores. You can also use a pot and water to steam your face if you don’t have a steamer.

–Face mask: Throw on a replenishing and hydrating face mask to add moisture back to your skin.

-Facial massage: After you remove the face mask, treat yourself to a facial massage. Grab an ice-cold jade roller or gua-sha(that you’ve stored in your skincare fridge beforehand). This will boost blood circulation, reduce bags under your eyes, increase lymphatic drainage, and allows for the absorption of product into your skin.

–Moisturize: Finnish off your facial with your favorite moisturizer to really lock in the moisture.

3. Put on a Hair Mask

No matter what your hair care needs may be, a hair mask is always an ideal curly hair product to have for the health of your hair.

They are formulated to strengthen hair, moisturize hair and improve its condition and can ultimately reduce hair breakage, smooth frizz, make the hair more manageable, enhance shine, and feel less dry.

Throw one on before your bath or while you’re busy with your facial.

4. Give Yourself A Pedicure And At-home Foot Spa

As long as you have a handful of tools, it won’t be too hard to DIY your at-home foot spa.

At home pedicure for pamper day

–Step 1: Remove old nail polish with a cotton ball and nail polish remover.

-Step 2: Soak your feet in a warm foot bath. Add in a good Epsom salt if your feet are sore. Soak for about 10-15 minutes or until the water runs cold.

–Step 3: Trim and file your nails.

-Step 4: Give yourself a massage. Put on a good moisturizer and massage your feet and toes for a few minutes.

–Step 5: Remove oil with a cotton pad to allow the polish to go on smoother.

–Step 6: Apply your base coat then follow up with your nail polish.

-Step 7: Finnish it off with a top coat.

5. Pamper your Hands and Nails

Now that you’ve had a pedicure, treat yourself to a DIY manicure. Massage your hands and cuticles with a hand balm or cuticle cream.

–Step 1: File Your Nails to your desired length and shape.

–Step 2: Soak Your Nails, apply your favorite hand cream, then, soak your nails in warm, soapy water for a few minutes to soften the cuticles.

–Step 3: Push back your cuticles with a wet nail stone.

–Step 4: Apply a base coat, it will help the color go on smoothly and last longer.

-Step 5: Apply two coats of your color of choice, waiting in between coats to dry. (Apply thin layers for an even finish).

-Step 6: Apply a top coat to seal it all in.

For a more fun and modern manicure, try out our micro French manicure tutorial.

6. Exfoliate your Skin

After you’ve dry-brushed your skin, go in with a gentle exfoliant( preferably a chemical exfoliant to avoid irritating your skin too much).

This will help brighten up your complexion, increase circulation, and can give you a radiant healthy glow.

7. Try Out Dry Brushing

Self care day skin care

Dry brushing is a method of gently exfoliating your skin using a special firm-bristled brush.

Some people use it as part of their skin routine to try to restore firmness, get rid of dry skin flaking, and encourage blood flow to certain areas of the body. Dry brushing has roots in the healing practices of ancient cultures.

Brushing before a shower is best. The bristles of a dry brush can exfoliate your skin, and showering afterward should help wash away any dead, flaky skin cells.

Dry brushing unclogs pores in the exfoliation process. It also helps detoxify your skin by increasing blood circulation and promoting lymph drainage, it also makes it easier for the body to sweat and eliminate toxins in your system.

8. Have an Aromatherapy Shower

Maybe you don’t quite enjoy baths/or don’t have access to a bathtub. You can actually create a spa-like experience in your shower.

Hang some eucalyptus under your shower head for a boost of energy and relaxation. Take a hot shower with your favorite shower bomb to compliment the eucalyptus scent, I suggest using the …bath bomb to help you relax.

9. Have a Relaxing “Massage”

After a long day, your body may be sore and need to release some tension. Eucalyptus essential oils can help make everything better with their healing capabilities.

After a good rub down of this oil, you’ll feel almost as good as just having come out of a great spa aromatherapy massage.

10. Try a Lip Mask

Lip masks are easy and often forgotten—just pick an extra-hydrating balm and slather on a thick layer before bed, or whenever your lips are chapped.

This small thing can make a huge difference in the plumpness and appearance of your lips, allowing you to look your best all the time.

I hope you’ll make some time to try this at-home spa day. Taking care of yourself is important, and this is such an easy way to relax and unwind.

12 Best Skincare Ingredients That Will Give You Amazing Skin

Filed Under: Skin //

Whether you’re just starting a skincare routine or are looking to add new products to your roster. You can easily find yourself overwhelmed by the number of skin care products available to you.

There are so many tips and skincare secrets out there that it can be very difficult to know where to begin.

Knowing what specific ingredients to look for can make it a lot easier and help you through making your decisions.

1. Hyaluronic acid

Hyaluronic acid is effective because it holds its weight a thousand times in water and is always a great addition to any skincare routine. This helps retain moisture in the skin and prevents the moisture from evaporating into the air.

It’s a great moisturizing agent for all skin types. A good hyaluronic acid serum is great for any skincare routine, especially in the drier months.

2. Alpha-hydroxy acids (AHAs)

Products that include AHAs(glycolic, lactic, tartaric, and citric acids) have become very popular in the skincare industry over recent years.

Although primarily used for exfoliation, the great benefits of AHAs are, promoting collagen and blood flow, correcting discoloration and age spots, preventing acne breakouts, brightening your complexion, and increasing product absorption.

Creams, lotions, and serums with Alpha-hydroxy acids can help reduce fine lines, wrinkles, and irregular pigmentation and have also been known to reduce enlarged pores.

3. Ceramides

Ceramides are long-chain lipids and are essentially the glue that holds our skin cells together to keep our skin barrier intact and healthy. A healthy skin barrier helps seal in moisture and seal out harmful elements.

Although the body produces ceramides, levels in the skin decline with age.

Ceramides have multiple benefits for skin health, they; maintain the skin barrier, boost hydration, rejuvenate aging skin, and prevent UV skin damage.

This CeraVe cleanser contains three essential ceramides and hyaluronic acid. It cleanses, hydrates, and helps restore the protective skin barrier. It’s always been a favorite of mine when doing my daily skincare. 

4. Retinol

Retinol is a powerful antioxidant derived from Vitamin A and can be found in many anti-aging products.

It has multiple benefits; it improves acne and acne scarring, patchy and irregular pigmentation, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, skin tone, and color. As well as your skin’s hydration levels promote cell renewal and boost collagen production.

It is recommended to introduce retinol to your routine slowly, to build up your skin’s tolerance to it. It may cause sensitivity so make sure to follow up with a broad-spectrum sunscreen.

5. Vitamin C

Ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) is an antioxidant that helps fight free radicals and environmental stressors, repairs UV damage, prevents premature aging, reduces hyperpigmentation, and helps to even out skin tone, stimulates the synthesis of collagen, minimizes fine lines, scars and wrinkles.

Initial use of Vitamin C-containing creams may cause stinging or redness, but these side effects go away with continued use.

6. Vitamin E

Vitamin E is an oil-soluble antioxidant, there are many forms of Vitamin E. Unless you have oily, acne-prone, or sensitive skin, Vitamin E can provide your skin with multiple benefits.

Vitamin E creams can hydrate and heal the skin and acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.

Paired with Vitamin C, both ingredients work even better, so aim to find products with both these ingredients.

7. Niacinimide

Niacinimide has multiple benefits, from moisturizing to repairing the skin’s barrier.

Also known as Vitamin B3 it boosts keratin, provides protection from environmental stressors, helps keep skin firm and healthy, may help retain moisture, and stops skin flushing.

If you have sensitive skin, experts suggest choosing products with a lower concentration of under 5%.

8. Beta-hydroxy acids (salicylic acid)

Salicylic acid removes dead skin and may improve the texture and color of sun-damaged skin. It penetrates oil-laden hair follicle openings and helps prevent acne.

In many cases, salicylic acid can be less irritating to the skin than products that contain AHAs. But provide similar improvements in skin texture and color.

9. Alpha Arbutin

Alpha Arbutin is a skin brighter, and gentler than hydroquinone and a safer way to treat uneven skin tone, melasma, and hyperpigmentation with little to no irritation.

It can be used to treat pigmentation when combined with kojic acid or Vitamin C.

10. Dimethicone

The silicone-based ingredient is the second most common ingredient in moisturizers. If you deal with dry skin, this ingredient can be very beneficial, especially in winter.

This ingredient can help with scar tissue and makes your skin feel soft.

11. Glycerin

A major skin care ingredient found in moisturizers and lotions. It is a humectant found naturally in the skin and acts as a moisturizing agent to establish hydration and prevents dryness.

Glycerin’s skin-replenishing and skin-restoring properties make it the best humectant among others such as hyaluronic acid and AHAs.

12. Polyhydroxy acids

Polyhydroxy acids are a type of hydroxy acid just like AHAs and BHAs but is the gentlest of the three by far.

PHA helps shed dead skin cells, reduce hyperpigmentation and reverse sun damage to promote an even-toned and radiant complexion.

PHAs are great for almost all skin types as they don’t dry up the skin. Experts recommend using PHAs in combination with hyaluronic acid and glycerin.

So, armed with any of these products and an amazing skincare routine, and a skincare fridge to cool your products, you’ll soon be making your way to perfect skin.

How To Hot Oil Treatment and The Benefits It Holds

Filed Under: Hair //

recommended oils for hot oil treatments

If you’re a part of the natural hair community, you’ve heard about or tried hot oil treatments.

The oils, like olive, almond, and coconut, when used in hot oil treatments work by sealing the hair cuticle.

This helps strengthen and protect your locks.

If your hair is dry, brittle, frizzy, color-treated, or prone to split ends, a hot oil treatment may be beneficial, or if you’re just looking to add some shine to your hair.

Benefits Of Hot Oil Treatments

Hot oil treatments are also useful for helping to stimulate blood flow, as well as helping with hair growth. Hot oil treatments for hair provide many benefits to help your mane flourish such as:

-Moisturizes dry and brittle hair

-Revives your curls

-Helps with dry scalp

-Increases the blood circulation in your scalp

-Strengthens the hair

-Adds shine to your hair

-Helps prevent split ends and frizz

-Help with dandruff relief

-Reduces frizz

Benefits of hot oil treatments

Safety Measures Before Doing a Hot Oil Treatment

Hot oil treatments involve applying heated oil to your hair and scalp. It is important to take safety measures when performing a hot oil treatment to prevent burns or injury.

-Always ensure the oil is not too hot before applying it to the hair and scalp, apply a small amount to your wrist to test it out.

-Never leave the heated oil unattended, especially if you have any children or pets around.

-Start with a small amount of oil and apply it to a small section of hair to test the temperature before applying it to the entire head. Yes, even after you’ve tested it on your wrist.

-Never heat oil that is in a plastic container as it can melt.

-To reduce the risk of a reaction, look for oils that aren’t combined with any synthetic ingredients.

-If you experience any burning or discomfort during the treatment, rinse the oil out immediately and seek medical attention if necessary.

What Oil Is Best For An At-Home Hot Oil Treatment

There are many different oils that can be used for hot oil treatments, each with its own unique benefits for the hair and scalp. It’s important to find the right blend for you. Some of the most popular oils used for hot oil treatments include:

-Coconut oil: This oil is rich in fatty acids and vitamins, making it great for moisturizing the hair and scalp. It also helps to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. This leaves the hair soft and shiny.

-Olive oil: This oil is rich in antioxidants and fatty acids, making it great for moisturizing the hair and scalp. This oil tends to be on the heavier side, so it’s best for drier hair that really needs that moisture retention. Be careful not to be too heavy-handed as it can weigh down your hair. It also helps to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. This oil is great for damaged hair and can help combat frizz and flyaways.

-Jojoba oil: This oil is similar to the natural oil produced by the scalp, making it an effective moisturizer. It also helps to balance the scalp’s natural oil production, and it can help to improve hair growth. It is a light oil that is easily absorbed by the hair and scalp. It helps to moisturize and nourish the hair and scalp, leaving it feeling soft and smooth.

-Argan oil: Argan oil is rich in antioxidants and essential fatty acids, it helps to hydrate and nourish the hair, improving its elasticity and reducing breakage. It also helps to repair damage, promote hair growth, and control frizz.

-Castor oil: This oil is rich in fatty acids and has antibacterial properties that make it great for promoting hair growth. It also helps to moisturize the hair and scalp. Castor oil is also known for its ability to promote hair thickness and helps treat dry and itchy scalp.

-Almond oil: This oil is rich in vitamins E and D, which makes it great for moisturizing the hair and scalp. It also helps to strengthen hair and prevent breakage. It is known for its ability to nourish the hair and scalp, it also works as a detangler making hair more manageable.

-Avocado oil: Avocado oil is high in vitamins A, D, and E, and is also rich in fatty acids. It is known to penetrate the hair shaft to nourish and moisturize the hair.

These are a few of our favorites, always make sure to pick the oil best suited for your need at that time. Additionally, you can always create your own blend of oils or use a premade oil treatment.

Use the oil that best suits your hair type, also it is best to use pure, cold-pressed, organic oils for the best results.

How To Do a DIY Hot Oil Treatment

Now that you’ve decided on which oil to use, let’s get into the process of hot oiling by following these simple steps,

-Work on clean hair: Hot oil tends to work best on clean hair. This allows the oil to deeply penetrate the hair cuticle. However, if you do want to do a hot oil treatment before your washday, this is also fine.

-Heat the oil: Place your oil in an applicator bottle or in a bowl that is safe for heating. Then, put your oil in hot water if you are using an applicator bottle or the microwave for around 10 seconds if you are using a bowl.

-Test the heat: Before applying the oil to your hair and scalp, test a small amount of the oil on your wrist to make sure it’s not too hot, this will prevent you from burning your scalp.

-Detangle: Run a brush through your hair to get rid of any knots, this will help make the application process all that much easier and help ensure smooth styling afterward.

-Apply: Apply the oil evenly throughout your hair and massage it into your scalp. Cover your head with a shower cap and your bonnet for more insulation. And wait for 20 minutes to an hour. Ideally, you can leave it in overnight.

Rinse: After a minimum of 20 minutes, completely rinse out the oil from your hair, and follow up with your normal conditioner.

And that’s it, You now know how to do an at-home hot oil treatment, you can now use your favorite products and continue to style your hair as desired.

How To Revive Dry Hair

Filed Under: Hair //

dry hair revival

When your hair is dry, it can feel brittle and hay-like to the touch. Physically your hair looks dull and lifeless which can also be a sign of biotin deficiency.

Whether you have damaged hair, dry hair, or simply want to improve the overall health of your hair, these following inexpensive tips will help keep your hair conditioned and leave you with gorgeous, healthy hair.

What is dry hair?

Dry hair is hair that doesn’t produce or retain enough moisture and oil for it to maintain its texture and sheen.

Dry hair has a coarse and rough texture. Some visible signs that your hair is dry can be that it looks dull, is brittle, and is constantly frizzy.

This can be a result of low nutritional value of Ferritin, Vitamin B 12, Vitamin D, or minerals like zinc & magnesium in your diet. Which in turn means your hair lacks these nutrients.

Or it could simply be from overexposure to pollution in the air, heat damage from styling tools or humidity, and even smoking.

How To Treat Dry Hair

Incorporating these simple tips into your haircare regime can over time help your hair retain more moisture and become healthier;

1. Stop The Daily Shampooing

Skipping a few days between shampooing lets your scalp relax, and it stops working overtime to produce protective oils. Your strands have time to breathe and don’t have to work overtime to produce natural oils.

The less you’re washing your hair, the more time your hair has to produce and retain these natural oils. These oils need time to work their way down the hair shaft and moisturize your locks. Washing your hair less can also prevent itching and flaking, and keep the hair soft and shiny.

If you have hair that gets greasy, try skipping a few more days and using a good dry shampoo.

Dry shampoo is used to absorb excess oil and dirt from the hair, giving the appearance of freshly washed hair without the need for water. It can also add volume and texture to hair.

2. Invest In A Good Shampoo, Conditioner Combo

Now that you’re washing your hair less, make sure that your wash days are the best they can be, one of the ways to do that is to find the best shampoo and conditioner for you and your hair type.

Choose a keratin shampoo if you’re able to. Also look for vitamins D3, E, and B5, which all serve different functions but help support your hair and scalp health.

3. Cut Back on The Heat

Using heat on hair can cause damage over time, such as dryness, breakage, split ends, and a loss of shine.

The high temperatures can also strip hair of its natural oils, making it more susceptible to damage.

While using heat protection products can help reduce the damage, it is best to limit the use of heat styling tools and to let hair dry naturally as much as possible.

4. Trim Your Dry Ends

Trimming hair regularly can help prevent split ends and breakage, which can make hair look and feel healthier.

This is because split ends can travel up the hair shaft, causing damage to the hair. Regular trims can also help hair grow faster and stronger, as it removes damaged and dead ends that can inhibit your hair growth.

Additionally, regular trims help maintain the shape of a haircut and make it look more polished.

5. Protect Your Hair From The Sun

Sunscreen for hair is a product that is designed to protect the hair from the damaging effects of UV rays.

Exposure to the sun can cause damage to the hair, such as dryness, discoloration, and fading. Sunscreen for hair can help prevent this damage by creating a barrier that shields the hair from the sun’s rays.

Some hair care products, such as leave-in conditioners and hair oils, contain UV filters and can be used as sunscreen for hair. Sun hats or head scarves also can help protect hair from the sun.

6. Brush Your Hair With Care

To avoid damage when brushing your hair, and allow dry hair to heal, it’s important to use the right type of brush and to be gentle when brushing. Here are some tips to follow:

1. Use a detangling brush: These types of brushes are less likely to snag or pull on tangles, which can cause breakage. They are designed to work with tangles and gently detangle your hair.

2. Start at your ends: When detangling, start at the ends of your hair and work your way up to the roots. This will help prevent pulling and tugging on tangles.

3. Don’t brush dry hair: Dry hair is more susceptible to damage than wet hair, so it’s best to detangle your hair in the shower or with conditioner on your hair.

Dry hair will easily snag on your brush and this can cause damage to your hair.

4. Brush gently: Avoid tugging or pulling on your hair when brushing. Instead, use gentle strokes to work through tangles and knots.

By following these tips, you can help avoid damaging your already dry hair while brushing and maintaining healthy hair.

7. Hot Oil Treatments

Hot oil treatments tend to work wonders for hair that’s dry, brittle, or damaged.

These treatments can also protect and moisturize your hair. It’s very effective and is simple to incorporate into your routine.

It involves soaking your hair in warm oils helping them penetrate into the hair strand and moisturize from within.

8. Deep Condition Your Dry Hair

Opt for an at-home treatment with keratin. Use it once a week with special attention to your hair in the colder months.

This helps to restore your hair and bring it back to life. I like to use it just after rinsing off my hot oil treatment.

They help to add back any moisture lost during the week and seal it in too. Deep conditioners are your best friend!

9. LOC In The Moisture

Liquid, oil, and cream. This is the holy trinity for hair moisturizing. The order in which you apply them, however, will depend on your hair’s porosity.

In general, low-porosity hair will find better results from the LCO method. While high porosity hair will find better results from the LOC method.

Make sure to test out these methods and see how your hair responds to each one and see what works best for you.

Mastering your hair moisturizing routine will be the final step in sealing the deal for healthier and stronger hair.

The Only Sunday Routine You Need

Filed Under: LIVING //

sunday routine reset

With the unanswered yet very looming question of whether your week begins or ends on Sunday, it can be very difficult to decide how to spend your day and get the most out of it.

While it can be a great day to catch up on unfinished work or selfishly have a self-care day, there’s a better and more effective way to curate your Sunday routine, that’ll leave you not only feeling accomplished but relaxed as well.

Sounds great, right? Let’s get started. 

How To Have The Perfect Sunday Routine

1. Evaluate Your Week

Your Sunday doesn’t only have to be left for curing hangovers and binge-watching (and/or eating).

You need to start looking at Sundays as both the end of the past week and the beginning of a new one.

It takes a load off you for the looming Monday, and getting a head start on your week helps you get through it with more ease.

Accept that you have done all you have been able to for the week that has passed, this allows your mind to prepare itself for the week ahead.

Lay out all that’s on your agenda for the week ahead and let yourself know if you’re going to have a tough or stressful week.

Carve out a few hours for creative thinking, brainstorming, and problem-solving.

This will save you a lot of time next week because you’ll have fewer moments where you feel overwhelmed and thus decrease procrastination.

2. Plan The Week Ahead

plan your day

Now that you’ve prepared yourself for the week ahead and you know what to expect, plan your week as thoroughly as you can.

Whether your week is set to be relaxing and chill or you’re having, more of a work-intensive week, make sure to jot everything that needs to be done into your calendar.

Plan your week down to the hour if possible, write down all your most important to-dos, and build your days around them.

Make sure to write them down as results and not actions.

Let’s say you have to study for an exam, don’t just put it down as “study”, but rather indicate the results you would like to achieve. For this example, it would be “finish chapter 5 of Chemistry”.

Be detailed and specific, this will help overall productivity and improve time management.

And don’t forget to include all social activities, times at the gym, and even the time you’d take to cook and clean, and get organized.

Omitting anything, however minor it may seem, can end up eating at your time and leaving you feeling rushed.

Plan every last task.

Related Post: The Best Planners To Reach All Your Goals

3. Meal Prep

I know it’s difficult and takes up a lot of time, but this is a must for a productive week.

Now I’m not saying get out all your pots and pans and make yourself every meal you’ll eat for the next 7 days, do your version of meal prep.

Whether it simply means writing down what you’ll eat for the next week and ordering it daily, or picking up groceries for the entire week. Go into the week knowing what you want to fuel your body with.

Know what you want to eat for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and this does not have to be ultra-specific. Just have a general knowledge of what you need and go get groceries for the week.

This will save you time on meals as well as help you stick to your specific diet. Having food readily available for the week makes it less likely to succumb to fast food and stray from your health goals.

Also, plan for healthy snacking and have healthy ready-to-eat options available.

4. Be Social

socialize with friends

Who says that Sundays are meant only to stay home, not me!

Schedule an early dinner with friends, a movie date, or an evening picnic at a park, then you give yourself a positive focus for the day.

Catch up with friends that you haven’t seen all week or go on a date with your significant other.

A chill evening out will not leave you too tired for the next day, it will help rejuvenate you and help you end off and start your week on a positive note.

5. And On This Day You Will Rest

Speaking of positive, end your Sunday on a relaxing note.

Read a few pages of a good book in bed snuggled up next to your pet, or take a relaxing shower.

If you have natural hair, it’s a great time to have your wash day and spend a few hours giving your locks some TLC, cleansing your scalp and all that good stuff.

Whatever it is, it should be something that makes you feel truly rested before Monday rolls around.

6. Don’t Give In To The Monday Blues

Blue Mondays are a myth, don’t believe me, then try this out.

Pretend you love Mondays. When the anxiety creeps in on Sunday, tell yourself you’re perfectly OK with everything and tell yourself that you’re fully prepared for the week ahead.

See what happens if you create a new belief system for yourself about Mondays. Because if you think about it—Mondays are nothing more than another day of the week, where anything can happen, even greatness.

Follow these 6 easy steps for a more productive Sunday and an even better weekly routine.

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The perfect productive Sunday routine
The perfect productive Sunday routine
Sunday reset routine