SPRING LIFESTYLE TRANSITIONING TIPS

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As I write this, Spring has officially arrived, and Winter’s final gasp is fading into a memory. 

Torrential rain and warming temps are encouraging new growth everywhere.  Spring flowers are blooming, as are fruit trees, while squirrels, duck, geese, and birds are scurrying about, taking advantage of the season’s return.

When seasons transitions from one into another, I’m also reminded of how these changes impact virtually every aspect of my life.  Following are some helpful tips I’ve developed over the years as an industry expert and insider that will help you transition from Winter into Spring, and even into Summer.  Enjoy!

Springtime is a time for renewal in purpose of self…so, take the time to renew yourself, while enjoying all that this beautiful new season has to offer.   

~ Skin and Body Care ~

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Change your skin and body care regimens, including the products you’ve used.  Go with lighter formulations.  Warming temps also mean more humidity in the air, so you might need to forgo using a serum or booster, plus heavier-weight moisturizers, and just go with a light or medium-weight moisturizer.  Don’t forget to use a serum and eye care product that’s formulated to your skin type and the season.

Consider exfoliating less and reducing the intensity of your cleansing regimen.  If your regimen and product changes are too drastic, your skin will react; so, pay attention to what your skin might be telling you to do, or not to do; if your skin is easily irritated, then you need to tone down the exfoliation routine and get a gentler implement. 

A nice gentle exfoliator to consider is corn meal; when added to your cleanser, the delicate tissue won’t become irritated. 

Oil is another gentle way to cleanse the skin; use pure fruit and nut oils, and avoid anything with additives or synthetics, which are harsh and full of skin irritants and toxins.

Consider using chilled facial toners, or an essential oil-based spritzer to refresh the face and neck areas throughout the day, especially as temperatures heat up and humidity increases.  Try chilling rosewater, even the culinary type, as a great pick-me-up and refresher.

Consider dry brushing in the morning; not only does it exfoliate dead skin cells, but it also primes the pores for showering, while revving up the circulation; begin at the feet and work you way up to your chest, using circular motions.  After you come out of the shower, leave skin slightly damp and then apply your favorite moisturizer.

Continue using products with a SPF rating to protect the skin from UVA/UVB rays.  If uncertain as to what product will work best, consult a dermatologist or esthetician.

Even though the temps might be warming, don’t skip your regular skincare and body care regimens.  Treat the face and body as you did during winter, only a bit gentler, by adjusting the types of products and/or formulations you use.  `       

~ Fragrance and Beyond ~

(Imaage from www.flowergardenpictures.com)

Change the intensity of your fragrance.  Go with lighter formulations and scent profiles, such as florals or greens, versus woods, ambers, musk, etc.  Remember, as temperatures warm up and humidity levels increase, so too will your body heat, intensifying the fragrance, which could make it too cloying.

Both the weight of clothing fabric and color palettes should changeover from weightier-fabric materials with darker colors (e.g. wood, rayon, blends, cashmere, etc.), to that of lighter-weight fabrics (e.g. cotton, silk, natural fiber blends, etc.) that are more neutral or pastel in color; lighter weight fabrics and colors also keep the skin cooler, naturally.

~ Nature’s Voice ~

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When in doubt, look to nature for cues on what to do.  For example, during the day when the sun’s rays are their strongest, most birds and other creatures have the good sense to seek shade and avoid rigorous activity. 

Take a cue from them, slow down and stay cooler.  Animals also begin shedding their winter “coats” to prepare for the warmer temperatures. 

What may have worked during the fall and winter, might not necessarily work in the spring and the lead-up to summer.

Consider bringing in the outdoors inside with multiple houseplants to remind you of the new season and the cycle of new growth.  Fresh flowers also brighten the spirit, so keep them close at hand.

~ Lifestyle and Wellness ~

(Image from www.wholeliving.com)

Lighten up on the types of foods you consume and continue drinking plenty of water to maintain a healthy digestive and circulatory system.  Warmer temps and heavier foods are more taxing on the digestive system.  

Up your intake of water; not only is this good for hydration, it also keeps the body temp better regulated and cooler; just make sure to avoid chilled liquids, because with over exposure to sun, the combination can lead to a life-threatening condition, a chilled stomach where the internal temperature of the stomach is lowered to less than your body temperature; I’m speaking from personal experience; a chilled stomach is a horrible affliction to have.

When over-heated or flushed, slow down and don’t over stress your body.  Try rubbing ice cubes over pressure points (nape of neck, inside wrists, behind knees, temples, arches, outer sides of Achilles heel, etc.) for relief.  Another way to get relief is to soak the feet in cool water, or to take cool showers.

Take leisurely walks and enjoy the sights and sounds of nature.  The best times for doing this are early morning or at sunset, when it’s cooler and less humid.

Don’t forget to open those windows and let the balmy breezes and fresher air come indoor and envelope you.

~In Closing ~

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Take the time to notice the rebirth of nature and enjoy it.  Celebrate and embrace the changes, because they’re a part of the cycle of life.

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 each of the Five Pillars Task Force groups for the Asia Pacific Spa & Wellness Council (APSWC).  She has been a Group Manager for the popular LinkedIn group, The Spa Buzz, and is currently an Administrator for two Facebook Groups, Wild Food Society and Spa College.  In addition to her blogs, her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Pinterest.  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, email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com.

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