I know—you’re super busy and just don’t have the time to better take care of yourself, particularly during busy salon season. However, it’s important for beauty pros to add self-care to their daily routines to stay healthy and well. There are many simple techniques that are easy to add to your routine and that don’t require hours of time and effort.
Practice gratitude is a surefire way to feel good and relieve stress. Reflecting upon the things you’re thankful for increases happiness, lifts emotions, improves quality of sleep and strengthens the immune system. Each morning, while you’re brushing your teeth, think of five to 10 things you’re grateful for. Before going to sleep, write down things you experienced during the day that you’re thankful for.
Exercise is actually a form of self-care. It increases endorphins in the body, improving mood and positivity. Exercise also strengthens the immune system and increases energy, which is very important to beauty pros who are constantly interacting with others and spending hours on their feet. Devote at least 30 minutes a day to doing some type of physical activity that increases your heart rate.
Incorporating nuts into your diet, like walnuts, cashews and others, can serve as stress relievers and it's an easy addition to your daily self-care regimen. Nuts are high in magnesium, Vitamin B6, fiber and healthy fats, all which support wellness. Eat a handful of nuts daily and you’ll decrease the negative effects of stress on the body and you’ll increase serotonin levels, which a lack of can make you feel down, moody and tired.
Meditation practice doesn't need to be a long, drawn out activity that requires diligent concentration or effort. Spend 10 to 15 minutes a day listening to sounds of nature, praying or reciting positive affirmations. Do this in the morning, at night before bed or any other time you can incorporate the practice into your schedule. The point is to have 10 to 15 minutes of a calm, quiet break, without distractions. As your practice develops, you will notice an increase in calmness and control over your thoughts. You will also feel more grounded, secure and comfortable in your body.
Protect your energy—it's s our most important asset. Spend time with those who support and encourage you to be your best. Know when to step away from people (including clients!) who drain you. If you’re engaging with people or find yourself in situations that are harmful or negative, it’s ok to distance yourself.
Unplug. We are constantly “available” and connected through technology and unplugging has never been more important. Take a break from your phone (this includes from social media too!) for a set amount of time each day. This break will help increase your confidence, decrease feelings of “missing out” and boost comfort in solitude. Studies show that constant scrolling and being plugged in can harm relationships, foster feelings of jealousy and kill interpersonal skills. Most importantly, unplugging at least one hour before bed is a critical self-care technique. The light emitted by phones and computers can mess with our circadian rhythms and can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep.
Pouring from an empty cup is impossible! Remember that self-care is not selfish. You are the sole protector of your energy, and in turn, your mind and body.
Natasha Bhalla (@tashvibe13) is a Health & Wellness Coach who has been in the beauty industry for almost 15 years. She has experience both behind the chair as a makeup artist and as a marketing and communications professional who has worked with a variety of beauty companies.
Natasha’s mission is to help individuals become their healthiest versions naturally, by eliminating toxins from their diets, as well as from their beauty regimen. She works with both individuals and corporations, and creates programs that encourage and motivate a healthy, beautiful lifestyle.