SPRING LIFESTYLE TRANSITIONING TIPS

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As I write this, spring has officially arrived, but winter’s final brush stroke of snow has painted many parts of the country, including my own with nearly six inches of the white stuff.  At this rate, I think the accumulated snow in many of these areas won’t melt for some time; it’s also not unusual for warm temps to take hold until mid-April.  And while it’s definitely been a harsh and wicked winter for many, anything that reminds you of spring, like birds chirping or new growth poking their cute little green heads through the nearly thawed ground, should be welcome reminders of the new season.

Whenever a season transitions 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 that will help you transition from winter into spring, and even into summer. 

Springtime is a time for renewal in purpose of self, so renew and enjoy my tips and all that this beautiful new season has to offer.   

~ Skincare and Body Care ~

(Image from www.skincarevitals.com) 

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; added to your cleanser, your skin won’t be stressed out by the granules.  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 face 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. 

Chill your toner and spritz away for a pick-me-up throughout the day.  Chilled rosewater, even the culinary type, is also a great 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 damp and then apply your favorite moisturizer.

Continue using products with a sunscreen/SPF rating to protect the skin from UVA/UVB rays.  If uncertain, 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.

~ Fragrance and Beyond ~

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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.myempireclub.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.  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.  Her social media outreach includes Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Tripatini.  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”.  You can email her at terrysspabeautywellness@gmail.com, or terry.herman@gmail.com.

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