File under "Things We All Know We Should Do, But Don't"
True story: Last year I resolved to make no resolutions. And I actually kept my resolution! Imagine that! :) I was tempted to do the same this year, but I started to feel pressure to come up with something more original. The more I pondered my "wish list", the more I noticed much of it related to health and beauty. So this year, I've decided to try a themed resolution list.
As I prepare to graduate from beauty school in just a few weeks, I think that it's natural that I reflect on the larger role beauty now plays in my life and its impact on my future. Most of these activities are already present in my life. I just need to do them consistently. Other ones involve activities that I need to cut back on. While most of these are not life-changing, I feel good in knowing that these resolutions, if kept, will make me happier and healthier in the long run. And since they are so easy to implement and not very unpleasant, I will be much more likely to keep them. Finally, some New Year’s resolutions that I keep! Here they are, in no particular order:
1) Water, water, everywhere!
I need to be more committed to proper hydration. When you don't hydrate your body, the condition of your hair, skin, and nails is negatively affected, as are vital metabolic processes. In 2012, the camel shall be my spirit animal. And I will carry water everywhere.
2) Flossin’.
But not like the rappers in the videos. No, I’m talking about my pearly whites. Dentists always tell me that I’m doing a great job taking care of my teeth, so I tend to use that as a pass to be lazy and not floss unless I have to. Well, not anymore!
3) Take it all off!
Makeup, that is! I need to be more dedicated to makeup
removal. Not once in a while, but every night. If I put it on, it
must come off that same evening. No more excuses.
4) Wear a mask.
Not THAT kind, silly! I’m talking about the kind that sometimes has a fancy spelling like “masque”. They can be for skin or hair; I intend on using both types with more regularity. Winter is an especially brutal season for hair, skin and nails, so I want to make every effort to help mine stay at their best. There are many kinds; make sure to choose one that is right for your needs.
5) Go natural.
While I don’t see myself going vegan anytime soon, I would like to integrate a few more natural health & beauty aids into my regimen. In most cases, it’s better for the earth, and better for me.
6) Age gracefully?
Well, kind of. I used to obsessively examine my hair for split ends. Now the enemy is grey hair. I’ve been in the bad habit of grabbing the tweezers and plucking away. But I don’t want to be bald, and constant hair dying isn’t healthy either. So I must let nature take its course. Out of all the resolutions, this one will be one of the hardest for me to keep. It involves acceptance and a lot self-restraint. Wish me luck with this one. I have a feeling it will be on this list for a few years to come.
7) Chill out!
I just love hot showers, but I know it’s horribly drying for my already parched skin and hair. Maybe, just maybe, I can bring the temperature down a bit and learn to enjoy a tepid shower. See?! It doesn’t even sound as inviting! But I will try anyway.
8) The Rub.
Eastern medicine has long realized the many benefits of massage. What they view as a healthy practice, we see as a luxury. You don’t have to go to a high end spa to get a massage. Just make sure that your masseuse is licensed and the environment is calm, safe and sanitary. Even a brief massage can work wonders for your mind and body. I intend on going monthly.
9) Happy feet (& hands!)
Manicures and pedicures can be a special treat. It makes me happy to see my nails all sparkly and colorful! For extra soft paws, don't forget the paraffin! I hereby resolve to A) get manis/pedi more often, and B) take better care of them (i.e. wear gloves every time I wash dishes or clean).
9) Happy feet (& hands!)
Manicures and pedicures can be a special treat. It makes me happy to see my nails all sparkly and colorful! For extra soft paws, don't forget the paraffin! I hereby resolve to A) get manis/pedi more often, and B) take better care of them (i.e. wear gloves every time I wash dishes or clean).
10) Regulate!
A new rule…just one sweet a day. It can be a piece of candy,
a cookie, ice cream, or a fancy dessert. But whatever it is, I
can have only one a day, so I must choose carefully.
Goodbye mindless munching! I am not one to diet, but every
now and then, my sweet tooth needs to be reined back in.
I guess I feel that this relates to beauty in that health and
beauty go hand in hand. Excessive sugar consumption can
lead to a bevy of health and beauty problems, and there ain't
nothing pretty about that!
Do you have any beauty resolutions? Let me hear about them! Happy New Year and good luck! You can do it! :)
