1. Take a hike
Spend time in nature or bring nature to you, suggests James P. Nicolai, MD, Medical Director of the Integrative Wellness Program at Miraval Resort & Spa and author of “Integrative Wellness Rules.”
Whether it is going on a hike a couple times a month or buying a new plant for your house (or both!), the little extra effort will go a long way with helping you relax.
2. Turn off and tune in
If even for 15 minutes a day, it is important to turn off anything tech and be in the present moment.
“The pace of life is way too fast and getting faster,” says Dr. Nicolai. ”There is more going on per unit time than ever before, so we have to fight for time away from technology and our To-Do lists.”
3. Do a face rub
Simple things can really change your mood — and your skin. Dermatologist, Howard Sobel M.D., F.A.A.C.S, says taking a few minutes out of your day to give yourself a facial massage will help a great deal.
“Massaging the skin loosens the muscles and increases blood flow, ” says Sobel. “which can diminish fine lines and leave beautiful skin.”
4. Ditch the towel
Instead of drying your face with a towel, Dr. Sobel suggests using toilet paper. Towels can become scratchy and rough, but patting your skin dry will leave behind an extra soft feel.
5. Get the red out
Have issues with red irritated skin? Maybe it’s time for a new remedy. “Put a few eye drops on your finger and apply to any red spots and watch the inflammation disappear,” says Dr. Sobel. “This is perfect if you feel a new pimple forming, and will take the red right out of the unwanted bump.”
6. Make some guac
Avocado can be a lot more than a yummy addition to your salad — according to Dr. Sobel, it’s also an amazing hydrator for the skin. Peel an avocado, get rid of the pit, chop it up, then rub it together in your hands and apply to your body next time you get out of the shower.
7. Cool it
Keep showers and baths short and not too hot. “Exposing your skin to water for long periods of time strips the skin and dries it out,” says Willa Skincare founder, Christy Prunier.
8. Lotion first
Start applying moisturizer within three minutes of stepping out of the shower or bath to extra hydrate your skin. Prunier recommends Willa Face Friendly Clear Face Moisturizer, it absorbs on contact!
9. Part ways
Something as simple as changing your part can change your whole look (and feel), says Remington celebrity stylist Richard Marin. Switch sides or try it straight down the middle.
10. Eat your veggies
…with every meal! “Not only are they super nutritious and will make your skin glow from the inside out, they are also very low in calories,” says pilates instructor and YouTube extraordinaire, Cassey Ho. “If you’re trying to lose weight, fill your belly with a majority of veggies, not refined carbs or sugary, fried things!”
11. Wake up with water
Drink a glass of water first thing every morning. “It wakes you up and sets a healthy start to your day,” says Ho. “Staying hydrated is so important for a healthy body and lifestyle!”
12. Make your pout pop
Nix the gloss or light pink lips and try a bold new color. We suggest bright pink, oxblood, or deep purple, like Amanda Seyfried.
To get the look, try Tom Ford Beauty Lipstick in Violet Fatale.
13. Make the cut
Whether bangs, a bob, or a pixie, a new year always calls for a new ‘do — and we say, the shorter the better!
14. Save your dryer sheets
If you have issues with wild, static hair, celebrity hairstylist Derek J, advices gently gliding a fabric softener sheet over your locks to reduce static electricity and flyways.
15. Very berry
Berries and cherries are full of antioxidants, which help your skin by combating the aging-process and preventing wrinkles. Add them to your morning smoothie, oatmeal, or yogurt on a daily basis, suggests Keri Glassman, nutritionist and author of the “New You and Improved Diet.”
16. Set a bed time
Pick a time for yourself to go to sleep each night and stick with it. Staying up too late may cause weight gain, says Ho. Tip: turning off your phone will help.
17. Be adventurous… in the kitchen
Don’t be afraid to try new foods. “Although it can be intimidating, having variety in your diet not only helps ensure you get all the vitamins and minerals you need, but also prevents boredom,” says Glassman. Rhubarb anyone? Give yourself a goal of trying one new type of produce each week.
18. Take it one step at a time
“Think of every meal as a Monday morning,” advices Glassman. “Just because you pigged out at dinner on Friday night, does not mean you should throw in the towel on the weekend.”
19. Get your fiber
A paper by the “American Journal of Clinical Nutrition” reported that replacing refined carbohydrates with high-fiber grains (like brown rice and oatmeal) led to participants having half as many blemishes after 12 weeks, Glassman says.
MORE: 8 Foods for Healthy Skin
20. Just breathe
Stress can be very harmful to the body — it increases cortisol, causing abdominal fat to rise as well. “When you feel stress creeping up on you, stop and do an eight count breath,” says Glassman. “Breathe in for eight and out for eight for eight minutes!”
21. Spice things up
Try adding a little heat to your diet, suggests Glassman. Jalapenos are full of the antioxidant Vitamin C and peppers can help reduce appetite and increase metabolism — improving your waistline and your skin!
22. Take notes
Try writing down your meals. “It can help you stick to your healthy diet and makes you responsible for what you eat,” says Glassman. “Make it a habit every time you update your Facebook status, update your journal!”
23. Commit to a cleanse
24. Get rid of dead skin
Exfoliate once a week using mild soap and a washcloth or loofah.
25. Go nuts
Nuts like almonds, cashews, and walnuts are abrasive and simulate salivary flow. According to Dr. Joseph Banker of Creative Dental Care, this helps wash away plaque and removes stains from teeth.
26. Floss everyday
We know you’ve heard this time and again — but it’s true! “Brushing will not completely remove food and plaque located between the teeth,” says Dr. Banker. “Removal of the extra debris prevents cavities, gingivitis, gum disease, and bad breath, and is essential to maintain good overall health!”
27. Go bold
Thick eyebrows are a trend that’s here to stay — we say, it’s time to get on board. Ditch the waxing appointment and channel our brow muse, Camilla Belle.
To get the look, try the Anastasia Beverly Hills Bold & Beautiful Kit for Brows and Eyes.
28. Clean out your closet
If you haven’t worn it in the last year, donate it. You’ll feel more organized, and you’ll have space for new clothes!
29. Make your bed everyday
Starting off your day with something productive is a good habit to get into — plus coming home to a clean room just feels better.
30. Paint your bedroom
It’s all in the little things! The subtle (or not-so-subtle) change will make your room (and you!) feel brand new.
31. Extend your lashes
It’s the year to go big (or long!). Ditch the mascara or falsies and tryout semi-permanent eyelashes. It will change your look, but you won’t have to change your routine.
“Think of eyelash extensions as your own naturally growing lashes,” says Anna Phillips, President and Founder of The Lash Lounge.“You don’t have to avoid swimming, exercising, or any other activity you enjoy.”
32. Find a new fragrance
Signature scent be gone! It’s time to spritz on something new to liven up your senses — and maybe someone else’s too.
This entry was posted on Thursday, January 31st, 2013 at 12:09 pm and is filed under Beauty & Style. You can follow any comments to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can skip to the end and leave a comment. Pinging is currently not allowed.
