Bit by bit, our lives are shaped by habits big and small. And the good ones? Good habits spur better mental and physical wellbeing. They make us happier, more confident and enable us to live our best lives! Here are some to be mindful of:
1. Exercise regularly
When you exercise, your heart rate increases, which boosts blood circulation and helps to spread oxygen and nutrients to your tissues. This allows your cardiovascular system to work more efficiently. Ever heard of the saying “healthy body, healthy mind”? It’s true! When we feel fit, we have more energy to perform at work and can think with greater clarity.
Make exercise fun by doing what interests you, whether it’s boxing, cycling or practising yoga. It could even be as simple as taking morning walks or walking up the flight of stairs to your home instead of taking the lift. Then gradually introduce jogs into your morning routine — from 2km twice a week in the first month to 5km over time. You could even rope in a buddy to keep yourself motivated.
2. Eat a balanced diet
A balanced diet gives us the energy we need to go about our day, while strengthening our immune system and keeping diseases at bay. It means ensuring that you nourish yourself with the good stuff, such as carbohydrates, protein, fruit and vegetables.
While we still believe in enjoying the occasional sweet treats, overconsumption of sugar and dairy products can trigger breakouts and acne development. It is because when your sugar and dairy intake increases, your pancreas responds by releasing insulin and boosts sebum production, which worsens breakouts and acne. So on a day-to-day basis, don’t forget to load up the greens on your plate during mealtimes and swap out sweetened drinks with good ol’ water.
3. Build a skincare routine
The skin is our body’s largest organ and is our first barrier of protection against the environment, so it goes without saying that it could use our care and support! After a long day — especially one spent outdoors where we’re exposed to dirt and pore-clogging pollutants, cleanse your skin thoroughly.
Washing your face is a non-negotiable for clear, healthy skin. Then curate cleansers, moisturisers and serums according to your skin type and skincare concerns. Have oily skin? Gentle foaming cleanser and lightweight moisturiser might better suit you. A good skincare routine should give us clean, glowing skin without stripping our faces of their natural oils.
4. Wear sunscreen daily
Rain or shine, applying sunscreen is a must to protect our skin from harmful UV rays! Sun damage might not show immediately but it accumulates over time and can result in visible signs of aging and hyperpigmentation.
Choose broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or more and try to reapply it every 2 hours. Sunscreen isn’t just for the beach; it should be a part of your everyday skincare regimen. Even if you’re working from home in a sunlit room. Pair sunscreen with vitamin C serum to better brighten dull complexion and reduce sun spots.
5. Sleep early, sleep smart
Beauty sleep is necessary for us to recharge our mind and bodies. It helps us lead more productive lives! Adequate rest means not just clocking 7 to 8 hours of sleep but also sleeping before midnight. Researchers have found that cell mitosis — the process of skin growth and repair — occurs roughly between 11pm and midnight. The better rested you are during this time, the more effective the process.
So catching those Zs then will help your skin to reap greater benefits. For peak relaxation, use silk or satin pillow covers to reduce chances of fine lines and wrinkles and change them regularly to prevent breakouts.
Consistency is key to making all good habits stick. Likewise, consistent IPL treatments are key for the Hair Removal or Skin Solution treatment to take effect! Be patient and start adopting them early for long term gains. Your skin will thank you in your later years!
