Wednesday, December 9, 2015

TAKING CARE OF YOURSELF DURING THE HOLIDAY MADNESS

(Image from www.hathayogaforpeace.com)
Long before it was a vernacular trend, I was consistently writing and speaking about the need to take time for oneself as an investment in individual health and well being.  Achieving this goal, however, is easier said than done, and often derailed by life's daily challenges, hiccups, and interruptions.  Left unresolved, or ignored, stress can and will eventually take a toll on one's health and well being.  In this article, I'm sharing with you some additional advice and helpful suggestions from Shankara Ayurveda Spa at the Art of Living Retreat.


FIVE TIPS TO STRESS LESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
BY INCORPORATING THE SCIENCE OF AYURVEDA INTO YOUR LIFESTYLE

Expert Advice from Shankara Ayurveda Spa 
at the Art of Living Retreat Center

With all that is merry and bright about the holiday season, managing parties, gifts and a lot of festive food also means that seasonal stressors and anxieties are bound to become a reality. Wondering how to cope? The team of experts from Shankara Ayurveda Spa at the Art of Living Retreat Center wants to help people embrace the ancient science of Ayurveda as a method to add cheer and chill to the holidays.  

Stress is a holiday tradition for many. A poll from the American Psychological Association reports nearly a quarter of Americans feel “extreme stress” at holiday time. Specific data show:

~ 69 percent of people are stressed by the feeling of having a lack of time 
~ 69 percent are stressed by perceiving a lack of money
~ 51 percent are stressed about the pressure to give or receive gifts

The stress and anxiety of the holiday season can cause headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, short temper, upset stomach, aching muscles (including lower back pain), and loss of appetite. For relief, meditation is a great practice, “One of the benefits of meditation is that it helps create a calm, clear mind,” says Venkat Srinivasan, PhD. Srinivasan is the manager of operations & guest experience at Shankara Ayurveda Spa at the Art of Living Retreat Center. “When the mind is at ease and comfortable, it’s easier to handle stresses or anxiety when they appear.”

A few Ayurvedic tips for handling anxiety and stressful situations during the holidays and year-round:
•       See the larger picture. When we see the bigger picture in the larger context of space and time, we are able to relax and handle the situation with a clear mind.
•       Give attention to your breath and take a few deep breaths. This helps settle the anxiety in the mind. “When breathing techniques and meditation become part of our daily practice, stressful situations are much more easily handled and anxiety doesn't stay with us for long,” adds Srinivasan.
•       Keep energy levels high. A high energy level can help in handling situations with a positive outlook. Drinking more water, eating more fresh fruits & vegetables, sleeping at regular times and an Ayurvedic lifestyle all contribute to higher energy levels.
•       Feel grateful. Focusing on gratefulness can uplift our state of mind. Srinivasan suggests, “When we feel grateful, we focus on the positive, which enables natural contentment and abundance to grow.”
•       Take a break. A few minutes of deep rest, such as during meditation, calms the mind and gives it the space needed to handle situations with skill. 

About Shankara Ayurveda Spa at the Art of Living Retreat Center - For those seeking physical and internal renewal on their journey toward greater self-awareness and happiness, Shankara Ayurveda Spa at the Art of Living Retreat Center provides a nurturing environment and service-oriented, educated staff. The relaxing mountaintop location in North Carolina offers wellness adventurers a range of therapeutic Ayurvedic treatments and day or overnight programs perfect for those hoping to cultivate rejuvenation and inner growth.

For more information and to check out various retreat options, visit artoflivingretreatcenter.org


~ In Closing ~

During this time of "holiday madness", it's all the more critical to stop, take a breath, and re-focus on what is important.  Taking time for your self isn't hedonistic...it's an investment in self that's well worth the effort...and, you deserve it!  

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations on her authored work.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, you can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as represented by the specific brand, or as indicated.)

Tuesday, November 24, 2015

GIFTS THAT MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT



(Image from www.wallpapervortex.com)
This is the time of year when thoughts of gifting someone special, and that may even include yourself, becomes a preoccupation, and often a stressful one at that.  Over the years, I’ve assembled these Holiday Gift Guides as a way to help you minimize any concern you might have deciding on a gifting solution, with suggestions on some of the season’s best and brightest gifts.  Whether your holiday gifting is for Hanukkah, Christmas, housewarming, work, place of worship, Secret Santa, etc., the following gift ideas will inspire you to find that perfect gift that indulges the spirit with little to no effort.  Enjoy!

~ Caron Paris ~


GIFT IDEA:  This iconic luxury brand has been revered and coveted by women worldwide since its inception in 1903.  La Poudre Peau Fine de Caron is an extravagant way to finish the face with delicate loose powder; the Poudre also includes the signature Caron Puff; its silken touch glides across the skin, leaving a hint of transparent finish; throughout the day, I didn’t have to bother with any touch-up; there wasn’t any shine in the “T” zone, which is often problematic when wearing makeup.  Key ingredients include Vitamins A and E, Powdered Silk, Distilled Bulgarian Rose, Camellia Oil, Antioxidants and Kaolin.  I chose the Transparent “color”, which provided a natural and light coverage. This luxurious and delicate powder is ideal for all skin types, including those with skin sensitivities.  The Poudre comes in a beautiful signature gold metallic case with the Caron classic dot pattern on its lid.  For more information on this luxury line, visit https://www.parfumscaron.com/en/

~ Crabtree & Evelyn ~


I’ve always loved this company for the simple and beautiful products offered throughout the year.  Christmastime is especially festive and bright; each one of their holiday-themed gifts represent the season’s best and brightest!  Every year I look forward to their special edition Holiday gift Collections much the same as I did when I was a child, eagerly awaiting the holiday edition of the Sears Roebuck Christmas Book.  This year’s gift picks are all about indulging and Crabtree & Evelyn knows how to indulge a person with simple treasures.  GIFT IDEAS:  LaSource Hand Care Ornament Tin (Hand Recovery Exfoliator and Hand Therapy Lotion)…Hand Therapy Musical Tin (Citron, Honey & Coriander, Gardeners, La Source, Lavender, Pomegranate, Argan & Grapeseed, and Rosewater)…Rosewater Memory Makers Ultimate Gift Set (Bath & Shower Gel, Body Lotion, Eau De Toilette, Porcelain Bird Ornament); each of these hand therapy lotions deliver exceptional hydration; and, the delicate Rosewater Fragrance is exquisite.  For more information on this outstanding line, visit http://www.crabtree-evelyn.com

~ Dealmoon ~


This mega online shopping emporium with its loyal global following of devotees, offers everything you’ll need to gift anyone on your list, including yourself.  Dealmoon offers a huge variety of personal care, beauty, fragrance, and skincare products perfect for that special someone on your list.  GIFT IDEAS:  Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil and PeterRothThomas Cucumber De-Puffing Eye Cubes.  The Nuxe Dry Oil is suitable for face, body, and hair, and includes restorative plant oils like Macadamia Nut, Hazelnut, Borage, Sweet Almond Oil, Camellia, and St. John’s Wort, plus Vitamin E; the scent of the Camellia Oil is beautiful.  For more information on this online emporium, visit http://www.dealmoon.com

~ FragranceNet ~

FragranceNet is another mega one-stop online shopping experience for all your skincare, beauty, and fragrance needs.  GIFT IDEAS:  Calvin Klein Reveal Eau De Parfum (For Her)…Fragrance notes include Raw Salt Signature, Pink Pepper, Black Pepper, White Pepper, Oris, Ambergris, Solar Accord, Sandalwood, Musk, and Cashmeran; this is a clean, green, and sophisticated fragrance that isn’t cloying; its dry-down is very subtle…Burberry Brit Rhythm Eau De Toilette (For Him)Fragrance notes include Basil, Verbena, Cardamom, Juniper Berries, Leather, Patchouli, Styrax, Cedar, Incense, and Tonka Bean.  For more information on this online emporium, visit http://www.fragrancenet.com


~ Jane Iredale ~


Leave it to Jane Iredale to come up with just the right holiday color palate that compliments any skintone, while enhancing one’s natural beauty with gorgeous colors that brighten the holidays.  Jane Iredale is the leading innovator of mineral makeup line that never disappoints, no matter the product need.  GIFT IDEAS:  In the Blink of A Smoky Eye Kit (Eight PurePressed Eyeshadows: Bone, Pure Gold, Dawn, Rose Gold, Iris, Forest, Double Espresso, and Ebony, Dual-Tip Applicator, Mirror, and a How-To Guide)…Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain (Forever Red).  For more information on this iconic mineral makeup line, visit https://janeiredale.com

~Skin Authority ~

If you’re searching for the ideal stocking stuffer gift set of skincare products that restore and perfect, then look no further than Skin Authority.  From head to toe, they have just the right product to address any skincare need and advance its condition from ordinary to extraordinary.  GIFT IDEAS: I love their perfect Stocking Stuffer Sampler, which includes four of their best-sellers, perfect travel-sized must-haves.  The Sampler includes Daily Cleanser, Sunscreen Moisturizer SPF30, Olive Fig Shea Butter Body Cream, and Hand Foot Body Restoration; these are just the perfect must-have travel sized treats that address your head to toe skincare needs.  I also loved their Holiday Essentials Duo, which includes their Oil Nutrient for Face, Hair & Nails, and Moisturizing Mist; the Oil Nutrient includes a rich formula of restorative oils that include Avocado, Rosehip, Grapeseed, Sunflower, Petigrain, Cardamom, Safflower, Jasmine, Sunflower, and Bergamot; the overall fragrance is beautiful; the Moisturizing Mist hydrates, cools, calms, and refreshes; restorative ingredients include Grapeseed Extract, Vitamins A, C, and B5.  This dynamic duo takes the guesswork out of finding the right product mix for restorative skincare.  Both Gift Ideas come in a beautiful organza bag.  For more information on this leading skincare line, visit http://www.skinauthority.com/Holiday-Gift-Guide

~ Gift Basket Ideas ~
(Image from www.christmasgeek.com)
Consider making your own gift baskets filled with some of my gifting ideas…make the collections even more special by tucking inside a dated keepsake ornament, and a gift card for a spa treatment!

Gift Basket Idea #1 ~ “Luxe the Look”
Caron Paris La Poudre Peau Fine
Jane Iredale In the Blink of a Smoky Eye Holiday Collection
Jane Iredale Just Kissed Lip and Cheek Stain

Gift Basket Idea #2 ~ “At-Home Spa Treats”
Crabtree & Evelyn Hand Therapy Musical Tin Collection
Dealmoon Nuxe Multi-Purpose Dry Oil
Dealmoon PeterThomasRoth Cucumber De-Puffing Eye Cubes
Skin Authority Holiday Essentials Duo

Gift Basket Idea #3 ~ “Travel Spa Treats”
Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Care Ornament Tin
Dealmoon PeterRothThomas Cucumber De-Puffing Eye Cubes
Skin Authority Stocking Stuffer Sampler

Gift Basket Idea #4 ~ “Forever Fragrance”
Crabtree & Evelyn Rosewater Memory Makers Ultimate Gift Set
FragranceNet Calvin Klein Reveal Eau De Parfum

Gift Basket Idea #5 ~ “Manly Does It”
Crabtree & Evelyn La Source Hand Care Collection
Dealmoon PeterRothThomas Cucumber De-Puffing Eye Cubes
FragranceNet Burberry Brit Rhythm Eau De Toilette
Skin Authority Stocking Stuffing Sampler

~ In Closing ~

(Christmas at the Hermans, c1960s)
While this festive season may have our thoughts focused on finding the right gift for someone, let’s not forget the best gift to give, which doesn’t cost any money, and that’s the gift of our time with those we love and care about…family and friends.  Lastly, don’t forget those in need…find a local or national charity and contribute what you can…that might even include volunteering for special projects, or sponsoring a food or clothing drive in your neighborhood, place of worship, or your work place.  To you and yours, I wish you peace, joy, and love!

That’s it for this edition.  Until the next one, remember to take care of yourself and those you love.

By Terry Herman

TERRY HERMAN is a recognized expert in the industry, and regularly covers issues that include business, management, operations, customer care, treatments, products, and trends. In the 1990s, she authored an extensive "Glossary of Spa Terminologies" and holds two copyright registrations on her authored work.  Consumer and trade publications have also interviewed her as an expert.  She also conducted an extensive nationally broadcasted interview tour on aspects of creating an at-home spa, interior design, music, stress and time management.  Her work has been published extensively in print and digital in both consumer and trade publications.  In addition to writing, reviewing and being interviewed as an expert, she is also a management consultant and motivational speaker.  She also served on the International Advisory Board for the former EXPERIENCE | PREMCHIT Journeys In Retreat To Wellness; the Advisory Board was comprised of ten international experts in various fields of wellness and spa.  She also served as a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach also includes Facebook, LinkedIn, and Twitter.  Be sure to read her food, wine and culinary digital magazine, TERRY’S SECOND HELPINGS.  Don’t forget to “Like” her Facebook Page, “Terry’s Second Helpings”.  Please note that the “Comment Section” has been disabled.  For additional information, you can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

ALL MATERIALS COPYRIGHT PROTECTED

(Photo credits as indicated, or represented by the specific brand.)