Take a Moment to Regroup

Growing up I remember people telling me that time flies but I never believed them; I thought I couldn't wait another MINUTE to be grown up and married with kids of my own. NEWS FLASH: I graduated high school 7 years ago, have been married for almost 4 years, a college graduate for 3 years, and had a baby 1 1/2 years ago. I think its safe to say that I believe them now.

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With spring, comes a whirlwind of activities. Get togethers are scheduled, gardens are started, after school functions are planned, spring cleaning lists are written; every one seems to wake up and remember there are other humans out there when they see the buds starting to show. After a long winter, its no wonder that we feel the need to get out and socialize, but I would caution you to not fill up your calendar too quickly. Remember to take time for yourself and your family. If your friends are what they say they are, then they will understand if you turn down the invitation to hang out here and there. Amidst busy schedules, it is very important for you to take time to regroup and focus in on the the things that really matter in your life. For me, that is my family and God.

I have really been trying hard to focus on my daughter lately; give her my full attention when we are home together. Too often I find myself on Facebook or Pinterest multiple times a day "just checking on something REAL QUICK". My daughter is happy kid and I think that she and I have a good relationship but I want to cherish the moments I have with her at this stage in life. Her world is so big right now and she is exploring everything she sees; I want to be right there with her rediscovering things all over again. It is a difficult task to entertain a toddler all day, I admit, but nobody ever said that parenting was easy. I have "to do" lists started all over the house, including my "to do" list for the specific day's tasks, but I am trying to retrain my brain to not focus my day on the lists. When I focus on my lists, neither I nor my daughter have a good day because I just get frustrated when she doesn't want to help me clean the bathroom or make 3 dozen tortillas for an hour  (C'mon, isn't that what every 1 1/2 year old kid wants to do with their mom?) and she gets frustrated because mommy is distracted and not playing with her. So for now, the lists will be written, but I will be writing in activities to do with my daughter too so that I'm not left checking Pinterest throughout the day for play ideas appropriate for her.

Apparently April is National Stress Awareness Month, with tomorrow being National Stress Awareness Day. (Anyone feeling stressed today? Hope you got your taxes filed in time!) So maybe tomorrow is the perfect day to start taking some time for yourself. Get some exercise and get those endorphins going, read a good book, take a long shower or bubble bath, play games with loved ones, or go get a massage. Review your planner and weed out the fluff that is just there because you felt bad about saying no. Make a point each day to go over your priorities so that you see your day in the right light. It is amazing how different a day can feel when you are focused on the things you care about. 

*For more info about National Stress Awareness Month/Day, check out http://stressawarenessmonth.com/. They also have a free e-book with ways to alleviate stress. 

Why You Should Get a Basic Facial!

Last week, I posted about different ways a person can deal with the stress in their lives. Stress wreaks havoc in our lives whether we mean for it to or not. It is just a part of life and I want to let you know that there are some perks to relieving it especially in the salon!

Each salon's menu is a little different. Some specialize in relaxation, like your day spas, while others might not offer such an extended variety. If you are stressed, I would recommend a trip to a spa specific salon and "go get a basic facial!"

Why You Should Get a Basic Facial

Basic facials, as much as they have so many benefits to your skin, offer you so many other health benefits.

1. Facials help purify the skin. When you feel a blemish coming up to the surface, a facial can help alleviate and draw it out. The basic facial uses the process of cleansing, exfoliating, massaging, applying a cleansing mask and finally moisturizing the skin. This will help your skin appear like it is youthful and glowing. Each step has a specific purpose in aiding in the overall product: brighter, clearer skin. Not only do facials open your pores, but they awaken your face to an experience of cleansing, relaxation, healing and purification. You would be amazed at how, if received regularly, a facial will improve the condition of your skin.

2. Facials can help increase our circulation and blood flow. Not only will a facial open your pores, it will get your blood flowing. Because you have so many blood vessels, the use of light massage portion of the facial will promote this blood flow even more so. When you get the blood flowing it actually will give your face more color and give you the glowing affect. This increase in circulation will also help your Lymphatic System get jump started as well.

3. Facials can help flush and purify body through also increasing flow of the lymph fluid through the body. Lymph nodes can be found everywhere in the body. In your lymphatic system, the body has a network of nodes, vessels, and fluid that help promote good health and immunity in the body. It is our defense system against intruders such as viruses, bacteria, and other such invaders. When the face and neck are being worked on, especially when receiving a facial, it helps awaken and stimulate the nodes and circulating the lymph.  This will help push out any unwanted toxins present. This is why some individuals might be sore after a facial. It is always important to drink more water to help assist in the soreness factor.

4. Facials can aid in alleviating headaches, sinus infections, and other similar ailments due to stress or tension. A good facial will hit on the points of the face that will help alleviate tension. Your face is very vascular and contains nerves and muscles to which play a large role in feeling pain/pleasure or experiencing movement. When we are tense, we may throw our body into a tension headache. OUCH! During the massage component, relief will be seen in relaxing the tense area, soothing the sore spots, and applying brief pressure in the general sinus cavity areas which will help release the toxins present while relaxing you.

I personally enjoy receiving a facial now and then especially when my stress load is high. This is one way to help alleviate stress and help you feel better in coping with your day to day work load. I have found it makes me happier, more focused, and my head aches less. Since I have been receiving facials on a semi-regular basis, I have had less sinus issues and haven't had a sinus infection in a great while. (knock on wood!) Who would have thought all of that from a facial?

—     Catie Manning