Beauty professionals, listen up — YOU have the power to boost your health and feel great, even while at the salon. You're constantly giving to others, and unless your own cup is full, you will eventually feel depleted, exhausted and even sick.
Ready to stop the burnout? Incorporate the following into your daily routine so you feel more energetic, peaceful and healthy each day.
Hydrate. Drinking water throughout the day is essential to keeping energy levels up. Water flushes toxins from the system and helps you remain alert. Even slight dehydration can reduce focus and concentration, increasing the risk for mistakes and accidents. Drinking water also prevents fatigue, headaches and lethargy. Plus, if you rely on coffee or other caffeinated beverages to get you through the day, it’s even more important to drink water, because of the dehydrating effects of caffeine. Staying hydrated also helps your skin and aids in weight loss. Aim to drink at least half your body weight in water each day.
Break during break time. Breaks exist for a reason—they allow you to pause and rejuvenate. Repetitive hand and arm movements caused by working on clients can stiffen muscles and cause fatigue. During your break, take a few minutes to stretch, which relieves tightness and brings oxygen to the muscles. If possible, take a quick walk outside to get some fresh air, which increases energy. Try to disconnect from everything going on at the salon during this time to give yourself a respite.
Move it. Incorporating exercise into your daily routine can be doable with some planning. Waking up just 30 minutes earlier can allow you to take a morning walk or exercise. You can even incorporate exercise into your day at the salon, and make it a group thing! Consult with your team and plan times during which you all stop for just three minutes to do some squats, toe touches or standing ab crunches. Your clients will be entertained and may even join in!
Snack wisely. Many salons keep a candy bowl at the reception desk. Instead, keep fruit in the bowl. Apples, oranges and bananas are easy to grab and eat. Nuts and seeds are also great snacks that will fill you up while also boosting your immune system. If you opt for granola bars, be sure they're not full of sugar.
Peace out. Quiet and solitude are important to feel grounded and aligned. Without this quiet time, you can easily feel harried, anxious and disheveled. Devoting just 15 minutes a day to a meditation practice, praying or sitting quietly can significantly improve your outlook and well-being. Centering yourself daily lowers your blood pressure, reduces your heart rate, and calms your mind. It also wards off depression and anxiety.
In 2019, busy schedules must no longer be a deterrent to taking care of your health. Take small steps each day to improve your wellness, and in time, you’ll find yourself in a happier, healthier place!
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.