Love it or hate it, the lockdown has forced us to pause and reflect. It's also given us some perspective on what really matters. So many of us have become accustomed to our busy lives and forget to prioritise self-care as we're rushing from one thing to the next. This lockdown might just be a once in a lifetime opportunity to return to your center and spend time doing those things that fill your cup. 

 For the next couple of weeks, we’ve decided to share some of simple ideas on how to stay inspired, healthy and happy during the lockdown.  Below is number 1 of how to Beat the Lockdown Blues !  

1. HOME SPA TREATMENTS 

A little pamper session is just the thing to lift your spirits and help you to feel like you can handle anything – even an uncertain future. Just for a day convert a space in your home into a day spa and treat yourself to a fun spa treatment while video calling a friend. You can start with this super simple DIY facial routine and follow it up with a mani-pedi if one treatment just isn't enough! 

Super Simple DIY Facial 

Step 1: Gentle Cleanse with your favourite cleanser 

Step 2:  Steam  

The feeling of warm steam on your face is relaxing. Add some soothing scents using herbs or essential oils for aromatherapy to take your steam session to a whole other level of calm! The increased blood flow experienced during a steam facial promotes collagen and elastin production. 

We like the towel technique:  

• Fill a sink or bowl with enough hot water to soak your towel. Add herbs if you have some. 
• Soak a hand towel in the hot water and wring it out so that the towel is damp. 
• Lean back in a comfy chair or lie down. Place the towel on your face, holding each corner up so they meet in the center of your forehead. 

• Adjust the towel so that it covers your entire face, including the eyes, leaving just your nose peeking through. Relax for 5 minutes. 

Step 3: Gentle Rice Exfoliation & Massage 

Maybe you've tried homemade scrubs using things like baking soda and coffee grinds, but facial scrubs need to be gentle which is why we like this very simple rice scrub idea from Simply Klair. Is there anything more universally gentle than rice? 

Rice Exfoliator video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ca4J0MuwI84  

Step 4: Nourishing Face Mask 

 

We have found some simple home face mask recipes using ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. 

Avocado & Honey: 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This great face mask recipe requires only two natural ingredients, namely, avocado and honey. Avocado contains lots of oils and honey is also a natural moisturiser. This mask is a boon for mature, wrinkled and dry skin. Mash 1/2 ripe, soft avocado into a creamy pulp. Then stir in 1/4 cup of honey, forming a smooth paste. Apply it onto your facial skin, leaving it there for about 10 minutes. Rinse it off your face with the help of a cool washcloth. 

 

Banana & Milk (or rosewater): 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

If your skin is dry and patchy, it is time you hydrate it with a combination of milk and banana, but if your skin is excessively oily, you can replace milk with rosewater too. Banana helps in peeling off dead skin and milk is a clarifying agent, so in case your skin has lost the glow, you know what to do.  Take one whole mashed banana in a bowl and add one tablespoon of milk and mix it well. Apply it on your face and neck and leave it for 20 minutes and wash it off with warm water. 

 

Stay posted for our next tip on how to beat the Lockdown Blues!