Self Care + Self Love 2020 Part II
Oh Em Gee!! 2020 came in with a FORCE to be reckoned with!
I’ve been so swamped with life, that I kept putting this blog on hold. And well, how fitting – we’re being asked to self-quarantine AKA, chill out. What better time to share some wellness tip with my MarshayNicole family?
Aside from tapping into some much needed creativity, I’ve been managing my self-care better than ever before. I am by no means, mocking the Corona Virus or any of the devastation it’s caused. I’ve just decided to take this time to relieve myself of the hysteria and focus on the comeback.
As usual, I’m gonna share the love. I’ve listed a few of my favorite Self Care Methods from head to toe that focuses on some Outer Love. Welcome to Part 2.
Exfoliate:
Did you know?..
Anywhere from 10-30 layers of dead skin are always present on the surface of our skin? These cells build up causing clogged pores, flaking, redness, irritation, and breakouts. Regularly exfoliating your skin, scalp, & lips promotes circulation and cell turnover. Resulting in beautiful, clear and healthier skin overtime. 2-3 times a week is ideal. Over exfoliation will cause adverse reactions. Be careful to observe how your skin is reacting. If you notice light irritation, exfoliate less often and BE PATIENT! Results will show immediately, but you may also experience a purge (a breakout resulting from the release of toxins & bacteria).
Moisturize:
Moisturizing keeps your skin, scalp, hair and nails healthy to promote healthy growth and retention. I make sure to reiterate to my clients that “DRY HAIR BREAKS”. The same goes for the other porous parts of our body. When moisturizing, please keep in mind that water HYDRATES and oil SEALS. Water alone, nor Oil alone will keep you hydrated. Water will evaporate and oil will just sit on top of the skin. But together, it’s like Peanut Butter & Jelly. It’s just right.
And while we’re on the topic of Moisture, people -Deep Conditioning is IMPERATIVE!!! I cannot stress enough how important deep conditioning your hair is. Sooooooooooooooooo many clients complain about how brittle and dry their hair feels. Meanwhile, they have back-to-back protective styles or a months’ worth of wash & go’s. You have to make time to pour some love and moisture back into your hair. You’ll notice a drastic change in the bounce, shine, and ability to hold certain styles longer. Thank me later.
PRO-TIP: SECTION YOUR HAIR INTO 4-6 SECTIONS TO MAKE SURE THE CONDITIONER IS EVENLY DISTRIBUTED THROUGHOUT YOUR HAIR. CLIENTS OFTEN MISS THE MIDDLE OF THEIR HAIR, CAUSING SEVERE DRYNESS AND BREAKAGE. (There are TONS of deep conditioners you can make with ingredients you have right at home – next blog.)
Goddess Baths:
Probably one of my favorite methods of Self Care. Goddess Baths are nothing new. They’re ancient. For years, women/men in cultures across the world have been using baths/soaks as methods of relaxation, destressing, and healing. Bath soaks also promote circulation and relieves achy, tired muscles. During your steamy bath time, it’s important to relax your MIND. Declutter your thoughts and give your over-working brain a break. Set beautiful intentions, focus on the NOW. And submit to the bliss of STILLNESS.
Grab your essentials and RELAX.
-4 Drops of Eucalyptus Oil (or essential oil of your choice)
-Fresh or dried flowers, petals, herbs, root.
-Favorite Candle.
-Cool glass of water.
-Favorite Book (NO ELECTRONICS).
-Bubble Bath.
This alone time will allow your mind to consciously process stored information, clearing space for clearer thoughts. Rest , Goddess.
Nail Care:
Whether you manicure, nibble on, or add acrylics to your nails – proper nail care & hygiene is important. Think about the countless things, surfaces, & people you touch a day. The bacteria from just contact lives and breeds underneath you nails. Most people don’t wash underneath their nails during normal hand washing. That means harmful things, such as fecal matter or dead skin from yourself and others are living their best life at the tips of your fingers. Excuse my forwardness, but I need to make sure you’re listening. Here’s a few ways to treat your nails naturally and in the comfort of your own home:
· ACV SOAK – Put equal parts of Apple Cider Vinegar and water in a small bowl, soak for 7-10 minutes. This is one of the safest, natural & most effective ways to disinfect your nails. It can cure fungal infections and even help draw out splinters. ACV also softens cuticles, making it easier to remove without weakening the natural keratin. After soaking, brush/rinse nails thoroughly with just water. Pat dry.
(PRO TIP: ALWAYS give your nails a minute or 2 to dry completely before polishing. Damp nail beds are enlarged and will shrink when dry, causing your dried polish to crack.)
· ALOE VERA TREATMENT – Using Aloe Vera Gel, Aloe vera juice, or an Aloe Vera Plant – Allow your nails to be fully submerged or covered for 7-10 minutes. Rinse Dry. Aloe Vera contains nutrients that condition the nails. Promoting growth and overall healthier nails.
·NATURAL/ESSENTIAL OILS – Natural Oils like Castor Oil, Olive Oil, Grapeseed, and Coconut have AMAZING benefits. They act as a great protective barrier to bare nails, promote growth and condition cuticles. Who needs to buy cuticle oil when your kitchen pantry has all the goodies?
(PRO-TIP: Remember to apply cuticle oil AFTER applying your nail polish.)
FOOT CARE
Whew! Yes, we’re going there.
They do the most work, yet, get the least attention. If you can manage to do the basics when you can’t or just rather not go the nail salon/spa – then you’re saving yourself a lot of discomfort in the future. Calluses, fungus and ingrown toenails are preventative. Here are just FIVE habits you can form, that’ll keep you ten-toes-down in proper foot health.
1 – People, don’t forget to WASH your feet. Thoroughly. Get in between those toes, underneath those nails, and PLEASE show those heels some love. It prevents dead skin build up AKA dry, cracked feet!
2-Grab a pumice stone to naturally buff away your heels and callus-prone spots on the bottom of your feet. DO NOT, & I repeat DO NOT try to file your corns down with a pumice stone girl. Its too abrasive, the skin on the top is not as thick as the skin on the bottom of your feet.
3- Foot Soaks are something special. They relax tired foot muscles, Soothe aches and improve circulation. They also aid in treating foot fungal infections (Don’t forget to add 2-3 drops of your favorite essential oil(s) to your soak).
4-Keep your toenails cut/trimmed. This prevents discomfort in your shoes while also preventing painful ingrown toenails.
5- Moisturize. I often hear clients complain about how dry their feet are, but they don’t moisturize them daily or properly. Foot lotions are specially formulated with a thicker consistency to moisturize your feet. Invest in them. OR, If you, like me, prefer a natural solution – Grab the Olive Oil (or my MarshayNicole Scalp Growth Oil + Serum) and apply a dime sized amount to each foot. Slowly massage into feet. Applying socks overnight to moisturized feet will help seal in moisture.
Family, I wish you well. I hope you’ve enjoyed reading this as much as I did writing it. Take care of yourself.
Keep praying, Keep manifesting. Keep the faith.