I don’t want to jinx it, but it feels like Spring has at long last arrived in New York City. With the change in seasons comes a fresh start and I’m looking forward to changing up some of my routines for the better. (And I no doubt have the Spring cleaning bug, too…I dropped off SO much stuff at Goodwill this past weekend!)
Anyhow today I wanted to share a bit more about how how I’m getting a jumpstart on making some positive changes to my daily + weekly routines!
Acupuncture
After several weeks of inexplicable increased anxiety, I decided to revisit acupuncture. It had been about two years since I did it and I decided to take this approach to try and calm some of the stress I have. Between work, travels, a lot of project deadlines and trying to find a new apartment, to say I have a lot going on would be an understatement. I’m hoping making time for acupuncture each week will bring me a bit of serenity. (I say each week but I’m already a week behind…must schedule my next appointment!)
Skincare Routine Changes
After a very, very long winter I am so excited to rejigger my skincare routine to focus on minimal makeup and major glow. I’ve been using Olay’s new Micropolishing Cleansing Infusion Hydrating Glow Facial Cleanser with Crushed Ginger & Citrus Extract and their Microscrubbing Cleansing Infusion Hydrating Glow Body Wash with Crushed Ginger since returning from overseas and my skin couldn’t be happier. The crushed ginger and citrus extract get to work with a micropolishing effect that feels so nice as you cleanse your face and body and skin is left super smooth and extra glow-y. After just one use my skin feels more radiant. Bonus? It smells so good. I particularly love using the body wash after my workouts. It feels so fresh + invigorating that I’m actually excited to jump in the shower + use it! (I usually take evening workout classes and shower at night following!) The face wash I’ve been subbing in every other day with my Rx face wash because I love how my skin looks afterwards and the fact that moisturizer and a light foundation go on super smoothly afterwards. If you’re looking for a little boost in your skin + body care routine – highly recommend you check these out. You can pick them up HERE or your local Walgreens store!
Jade Rolling
Speaking of skincare routine changes, I finally bit the bullet and bought a jade roller. I was a little resistant given my nighttime skincare routine already includes a lot of steps but after seeing it all over Instagram and hearing many beauty editors tout the effects, I decided to give it a go. Jade is known in traditional Chinese medicine as a healing semi-precious gemstone and is considered a sign of power and immortality. But what does it do? It improves circulation, de-puffs the eye area, and can improve skin elasticity. It can also promote lymphatic drainage (read: de-puffing) and can define your cheekbones and jawline. I’m just getting into the routine so if you guys would be curious to know more just let me know and I can do a bigger post on this! This is the one I bought in case you’re curious.
Getting serious about sun exposure
After two skin cancer scares in my family last year, I’m getting (more) serious about sun exposure this year. I’m putting SPF 50 on each morning and not going to leave the house without some in my purse for reapplication, too. I’m also not going to be laying out and will be heeding my doctor’s warning and wearing a hat for outings where a lot of sun exposure will be likely. (I even had a little scare yesterday at my derm’s office and had to have liquid nitrogen applied to my nose to watch a particular spot – eep! SPF SPF SPF SPF, you guys!)
Bedtime Changes
I stay up way later than I’d like. I don’t wind down until around 11 and then it’s not lights out until 11:30 or later most nights. I know my body functions great on about 7-8 hours of sleep, but I’d love to make my bedtime earlier and stop looking at my phone up until the minute I close my eyes. I’m working to read a few nights in bed a week (vs. watching TV) so that turning the pages is the last thing I do vs. looking at a screen. (Book of the Month has been helping to incentivize this behavior!) I have also found myself loving my slow, early mornings as a result of going to bed earlier.
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In addition to all the above, with my impending move I’m also looking forward to doing additional purging around the house. Are you guys taking on any spring cleaning or changes to your outlines? I’d love to hear about them!
p.s. my Spring bucket list and my favorite face oils.
This post is in partnership with Olay. Thank you for supporting the brands I love working with!
I LOVE listening to an audio book on my phone before I go to sleep! I set the timer for 30 minutes and I usually fall asleep about 25 minutes later. Great way to relax and take my mind off everything else. Try it!
This is a brilliant idea! I actually never listen to audio books but I like the idea of having a timer set and not having to hold anything why you try and wind down! Definitely going to look into this. Thanks so much for the reco, Joann!
Ohh I’ve always been curious about acupuncture, would be very curious to hear about your experience!
Will report back! It’s definitely an odd practice but I do believe in Eastern medicine’s healing powers!