Wellbeing Journal
9 STEPS TO BECOMING THE HEALTHIEST VERSION OF YOURSELF
Health is holistic. It’s about finding balance, looking after your mind, body and soul, and looking beyond the superficial stuff to treat yourself with love and respect. From health and exercise tips to our go-to healthy mental health habits, here are our tips on becoming the healthiest version of yourself. MOVE EVERY DAYWe all know that exercise is good for us. It helps to keep your heart and skin healthy, can reduce the risk of disease and boosts your endorphins and energy, so it can be a real mood lifter. The great thing about exercise is you don’t need to overdo it to reap the benefits – just 30 minutes a day of walking, yoga or more high-intensity exercise like strength training or spinning will be enough.Woman practising yoga next to green plants EAT WELLBeing healthy doesn’t mean dieting or cutting out any food groups. Fuel your body with wholefoods and enjoy all the macronutrients – carbs are our body’s chief source of energy (go for brown rice and quinoa), protein (which you’ll find in eggs, almonds and broccoli) helps with energy, brain function and muscle repair, and healthy fats (avocados, cheese and nuts are all good sources) keep us feeling fuller for longer. GET 20 MINUTES OF SUNSHINE A DAYVitamin D is a natural serotonin (or ‘happy hormone’) booster. Try to get outside for at least 20 minutes a day for your daily sun exposure, whether that’s walking to work or getting off the bus early, going for a walk around the block during lunch or joining an outdoor exercise class. BE MORE MINDFULWith technology an almost-unnoticeable reality of our everyday lives, we can get sucked into being on our phones at any free moment. Try to live in the present as much as possible, which means putting your phone out of sight while you’re with family or friends (social media and emails can wait). If you’re in need of a refresher, spritz on a face mist. Close your eyes, spray our Lavender Hydrating Mist over your face and breathe deeply. MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITYWe all know how much better we feel after a good night’s sleep – energised, clear-headed and ready to tackle the day. Aim to get eight hours’ of sleep a night and establish a nighttime routine to get your mind ready for bed. Switch your tech devices off at least one hour before you go to sleep (leave them in another room if you can so you’re not tempted to reach for them in the middle of the night) and diffuse an oil like our Tranquil Blend Essential Oil in your bedroom to create a relaxing atmosphere. Bed next to pile of books and plants ADD SELF-CARE RITUALS TO YOUR DAYWe live in a fast-paced, demanding world, so it’s important to set aside at least 10 minutes a day for yourself. Try different forms of self-care to find what works for you as a relaxing ritual – this could be going for a short walk, a yoga class, meditation or soaking in the bath. Take your self-care one step further by creating your own spa day at home or book in for a treatment at one of our spas.Health can mean different things to different people but you’re the healthiest version of yourself when you’re happy, grounded and well-rested. Shop our range of aromatherapy and natural-based skin care products to calm the mind and soothe the soul.
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5 WAYS TO COMBAT STRESSED-OUT SKIN
We can all remember times when we’ve been going through a stressful patch and we’ve seen the direct effects on our skin. Skin conditions caused by stress and anxiety can include dryness, irritation and blotchiness, and stress can also exacerbate any existing skin conditions you’re dealing with, such as sensitivity. To stop the signs of stress from showing up in your skin, take on these five tips. SET ASIDE SOME ME-TIME EVERY DAYStress can manifest in different ways: feeling tired or anxious, losing appetite and finding it hard to concentrate. When you’re busy and feeling stressed, it can be hard to pin down what’s triggering that stress but luckily, it can be managed. Dedicate some time to yourself each day (even if it’s just 10 minutes) and do what makes you happy – reading a book, going for a walk, writing in a journal or going to a yoga class. We like taking a moment and spraying our faces with our Rosewater Balancing Mist throughout the day as a quick calming tactic. Take a look at our guide to self-care rituals for more stress management tips. Woman sat on balcony doing yoga MAINTAIN YOUR SKINWhen we’re feeling tired and stressed, we tend to neglect looking after ourselves properly, whether that’s getting enough exercise, eating well or following our skin care ritual. Ensure you take the time to stick to your normal routine and treat your skin to natural, nourishing products, using this moment to slow down and use it as a form of self-care. APPLY A FACE MASKFace masks are highly concentrated and are formulated to tackle different skin concerns, such as sensitivity, dryness or dullness, making them a great skin care product when your skin is looking less than its best. Masks are also a good way to pamper yourself and relax for 10-15 minutes while they work their magic. Discover which mask is right for you with our guide to face masks. INCREASE YOUR WHOLEFOODS INTAKEYour diet plays a huge part in your skin health. Wholefoods (foods as close to their natural state as possible) can help to combat stressed-out skin - in particular, fresh fruits, vegetables, lean proteins and wholegrains. When you’re feeling stressed (and seeing the effects on your skin), try and avoid processed foods as much as possible, as well as sugar and alcohol, which can have negative impacts on the skin. MAKE SLEEP A PRIORITYAim to get eight hours’ of sleep a night so you’re feeling fully rested and recharged. If you struggle to fall asleep, try diffusing an essential oil such as our Comforting Blend Essential Oil and remove all tech devices from your bedroom to avoid distractions. For more tips, read our guide to getting a good nights' sleep. Book and cup of coffee on bed We all have moments of stress but it’s important to look after yourself as much as possible during these times. Support your skin and prevent a stressed-put complexion by shopping our full skin care range here.
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EAT YOUR WAY TO RADIANT SKIN
It’s true: beauty really does start from within. While we have our arsenal of skin care products for brightening, smoothing and moisturising, what we put inside our bodies is just as important. The first step to clear, radiant skin is a healthy diet and – fortunately – we’ve got a few easy tips for glowing skin. Here are a few simple changes you can make daily to achieve that natural glow. HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATEIf you only do one thing to improve your skin, make it your mission in life to drink more water. Drinking around 2 litres of water a day helps to flush out toxins and keep you hydrated - keep a bottle of water on your desk at work and take regular sips throughout the day and try adding a bit of flavour with slices of fresh lemon to make it interesting. For extra help, mist your skin throughout the day – we love our Lavender Hydrating Mist for instant hydration, as well as leaving skin feeling refreshed and rebalanced. Water and ice in glass mason jar EAT AN ARRAY OF WHOLEFOODSThe best diet for good skin is made up of a rainbow of fruit, veggies and wholefoods, thanks to essential nutrients that boost, repair and radiate your skin. For stimulating collagen production and improving skin’s texture, up your Vitamin C intake with oranges, capsicums and strawberries. Want to reduce oil and prevent wrinkles? Vitamin A – found in carrots and leafy green vegetables – is your friend. Zinc is also known for regulating oil production, which you’ll find in eggs, chickpeas, legumes and seafood, while selenium (found in walnuts and brazil nuts) aids Vitamin E absorption. ADD HEALTHY FATS TO EACH MEALWhile the word ‘fats’ may seem counterintuitive to a healthy diet, healthy fats are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which keep skin hydrated and repair damaged skin cells (as well as a host of other benefits, like increasing our energy and improving brain function). ‘Good fats’ can be found in avocados (we’ve all seen that meme), fish, nuts and seeds, as well as olive and coconut oils. Up your good fat intake with our Herbal Recovery Antioxidant Face Oil – a blend of Grapeseed, Avocado and Rosehip oils that revitalises the complexion and minimises the first signs of ageing. Sliced avocado on table INTRODUCE GUT-HEALING FOODS TO YOUR DIETA healthy gut leads to healthy skin. The gut absorbs nutrients and eliminates toxins, so keep it nourished to ensure it can work as well as possible. Probiotic-rich foods such as fermented vegetables, miso and natural yoghurt boost your gut health, while digestion can be improved with fibre-rich foods such as brown rice, beans, lentils, oats and chia seeds. AVOID THE BAD STUFFAs much as ‘good’ foods can help boost skin radiance, ‘bad’ foods have the adverse effect. As much as possible, steer clear of processed and packaged foods, which are full of additives and artificial ingredients that can dull your skin. They’re also full of refined sugars, which can damage collagen (if you’re not ready to give up the sweet stuff completely, choose a natural sweetener such as honey, maple syrup or stevia). Avoid salty foods, as salt draws water out of the skin and lastly – cut down on your alcohol intake. Not only does it slow down the liver function, but alcohol also leads to a build-up of toxins (of course, we can’t say no to wine forever so when you do drink, make sure to balance it out by drinking plenty of water). Wholefood salad in white bowl GET A LITTLE HELP FROM THE EXPERTSFor delicious, skin-loving recipes, nutritionist Jacqueline Alwill from The Brown Paper Bag knows her stuff. Luckily for us, she created a two-week meal plan to make eating healthily that much easier. Download the Jurlique x Jacqueline Alwill Wholefoods Challenge to access the full plan (along with recipes created exclusively for Jurlique). Now your diet is full of nourishing wholefoods, boost your skin from the outside in with a routine that will complement your clean eating habits. Your skin absorbs up to 70% of what you put on it, so enhance and treat your complexion by using beautiful, all-natural products. Shop our full range here.
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THE 5 COMMANDMENTS FOR CLEAR SKIN
The 5 Commandments to Clear Skin We all want clear, radiant skin but sometimes it’s easier said than done. The condition of your skin comes down to a combination of genetics and lifestyle, but there are a few steps you can take to clear up your complexion. To do it the natural way, follow these clear skin tips: CLEANSE MORNING AND NIGHT Cleansing is the essential first step of a clear skin routine. Even if you’re tired, don’t skip this step or use a wipe or any old cleanser – go for a gentle one that won’t strip the skin or upset its pH balance. In the morning, cleanse to refresh the skin and lift any sweat or dirt that accumulated overnight. In the evening, the best thing to do is double cleanse to ensure you get rid of everything that’s built up throughout the day – first, use a cleansing oil such as our Nourishing Cleansing Oil to remove makeup, dirt and grime, and then use a regular cleanser such as our Radiant Skin Foaming Cleanser to deeply cleanse your skin. STICK TO A SKIN CARE RITUAL After cleansing, use one of our toning facial mists to purify, soothe and balance your skin. Follow up with our Activating Water Essence to boost hydration, then apply a serum such as our Moisture Plus Rare Rose Serum to help hydrate and restore your skin. Seal in hydration with a nourishing moisturiser or facial oil – our Skin Balancing Face Oil is suitable for all skin types and can be applied directly to the face to deeply nourish and balance skin. New to face oils? Read our Everything You Need to Know About Face Oils for everything you need to know. STOP TOUCHING YOUR FACE We all touch our faces throughout the day – whether it’s resting our face in our hands, picking blemishes or unconsciously touching areas of the face. But in doing so, bacteria can be transferred from your hands to your face, which can lead to congested skin. If you have spots, use a spot treatment instead of popping them and make an effort to minimise how many times you touch your face. The same principle applies to your phone as well – sanitize the screen with an antibacterial wipe once a day and use earbuds when making calls whenever possible. CHOOSE SKIN CARE PRODUCTS THAT SUIT YOUR SKIN CONCERN Your skin concern should dictate the products you use as you’ll have different needs accordingly - if you use the right products, they’ll absorb into your skin and work more effectively (read our Understanding Your Skin Type if you’re unsure). If you have acne-prone skin, be careful not to over-treat it and only apply the recommended amount of product as per the packaging. LOOK AT YOUR DIET AND LIFESTYLE It’s not just skin care products – you can take on a few diet and lifestyle habits for clear skin, too. Drink at least 2L of water a day and enjoy foods rich in omega-3s and vitamins A, B and C (read our guide to skin-loving wholefoods). Exercise regularly to boost circulation, help reduce stress and give skin a healthy flush, and try to 5 ways to combat stressed-out skin (our stress hormones increase oil production, so you’re more likely to break out when you’re stressed).Get the clear complexion you’ve always wanted by taking care of your skin from the inside out. Shop our natural-based face skin care, eye care, lip care, hand care and body care here to help clear congestion and boost radiance. FAQs How to get clear skin naturally? Stick to a consistent routine using products for clear skin. Start with a simple regimen – cleansing, toning, moisturising and sunscreen for the daytime. Your skin may also benefit from a few healthy lifestyle habits, such as getting enough sleep, drinking plenty of water, eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly and managing stress. And what to avoid? You guessed it right – alcohol, sugar and processed foods. How to clear skin overnight? While there is no magic wand for making unwanted acne or blemish disappear, there are certain things you can do to wake up to clear skin overnight. Wash your face with a gentle cleanser. Follow with a hydrating toner. Apply a nutrient-rich serum. Use a hydrating mask before bed to replenish and soften skin. Lock in moisture with a nourishing night cream or face oil. Get enough sleep – there’s a reason it’s called beauty sleep. Is it possible to have 100% clear skin? Having completely '100% clear' skin is not realistically possible for most people due to genetics and environmental factors. But with a consistent skincare routine and healthy lifestyle, you can definitely improve your skin and get a clearer complexion. What is clear skin? When we talk about clear skin, we typically mean skin with an even tone and smooth texture that reflects light without being shiny. Clear skin is mostly free from blemishes, with barely visible pores and little to no imperfections. Why won’t my skin clear? While we all want a clear face, it's normal to have uneven tone and texture. Genetics, skincare routine, and lifestyle can all influence your skin’s appearance. Clogged pores, a major culprit of uneven skin, occur when sebum mixes with dead skin cells and blocks your pores. These clogged pores can trap bacteria and develop into bumps, whiteheads or blackheads.
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7 EASY YOGA POSES TO RELIEVE STRESS
Stress is no stranger to us. It visits us at any moment of our everyday lives: that could be the moment when you see a long list of unread emails after returning from holiday, when your children are testing your patience or when you’re stuck in traffic… Stress has been linked to a wide range of health issues, including mood, sleep, and appetite problems and it can play a role in the causation of heart attacks. Therefore, it is important to relieve stress regularly to keep your heart healthy and maintain an emotionally balanced life. Yoga is known for calming your body and mind through breathing and asanas (postures), but don’t be intimated by the sound of it as yoga can be easily practised at home. All you need is a yoga mat and 15 minutes every day. Here are 7 easy yoga poses for beginners we tried that can help to relieve stress: 1. LEGS UP THE WALL Set your legs up against the wall. Bring your hips closer to the wall as you let your hip flexors relax. Relax your shoulder and breathe through your nose for 2 minutes. 2. STANDING FORWARD BEND Stand up, reach tall and exhale forward, then bend knees. Hold your opposite arms and hang loosely, or if you are flexible you can place your palms on the floor. Try to keep your head closer to your knees. For a deeper stretch, try straightening your legs. Hold this position for 6-8 breaths. Then inhale, stretch arms forwards, raise them and your torso back to the standing position. 3. CAT-COW POSE This is a good pose to massage your spine and relieve tension. Cat – Start on all fours, then while exhaling, round your back towards the ceiling and bring your navel up towards your spine. Bring it back to the neutral position, with spine and head aligned. Cow – Inhale and tilt your pelvis back so that your tailbone sticks up. Keep your abdominal muscles hugging your spine by drawing your navel in. Keep rotating these two positions for 6-8 times. Try to feel your spine in each position as much as you can rather than trying to speed up. 4. CHILD’S POSE Sit on your shins with your big toes touching and your knees sightly apart. Bring your palms to the front of your body and rest on the floor. Walk your hands forward until you feel like you can’t walk any further. Allow your stomach to rest on your thighs and your forehead to rest on the floor. Breathe and rest in the position for 2 minutes. 5. BRIDGE POSE Place your feet flat on the floor, hip width apart. Slide your arms alongside your body with palms facing down. Inhale and lift the hips up, rolling your spine off the floor. Squeeze your knees lightly together to keep the knees engaged. Press down into the arms and shoulders to bring the chest upwards. Engage legs and buttocks to lift the hips higher. Breathe and hold for 4-8 breaths. 6. HAPPY BABY Lie on your back and bend both knees. Catch the outside of your feet and breathe. Keep your lower spine touching to the floor, while keeping your chin closer to your chest. Gently rock left and right if you desire. Hold for 4-8 breaths. 7. CORPSE POSE Lie on your back with your legs apart to yoga mat width, arms by your sides with palms facing up. Let your eyes and face soften and close your eyes while breathing deeply. Bring attention to each part of your body starting at the crown of your head, all the way down to your toes. Hold this position for 2-5 minutes. This pose will help bring relaxation to your whole body to end your daily 15-minute practice. Start taking care of your body and mind today if you haven’t yet. Remember, they are the only places you live in.
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HOW TO STAY HYDRATED THIS SUMMER
Australian summers are bliss to say the least. It’s open arms to the sun at every possible moment, endless days at the beach, afternoons sipping delicious cocktails al fresco, and nights that stay young.It all sounds so perfect, but amidst all that fun it’s very easy to quickly get dehydrated out in the sun. But there’s no need to break out in a sweat yet, we want you to be able to enjoy summer to the fullest – so we’ll share our tips for staying hydrated this summer. DRINK YOUR HYDRATIONWater is a basic need for human life. Your vital organs wouldn’t be able to function without it. Water regulates your body’s temperature, gets rid of toxins and provides a moist environment for your joints. Replenishing your body with water is important especially during summer months because when the weather heats up, you become more prone to dehydration as your body loses more water than it takes in. Keep a glass or bottle of water nearby at all times – you should drink at least two litres of water a day to stay hydrated in hot weather.Feel free to switch up the ways you stay hydrated. Even though water is life’s elixir, the best hydrating drink besides water is coconut water. Coconut water is a delicious low calorie and natural option to increasing your hydrating fluid intake. Not only does it rehydrate you, it also restores your electrolytes which are lost through sweating. Carry a bottle of H2coco’s Pure Coconut Water on the way to your yoga class, or keep your fridge stocked to replenish and avoid dehydration in summer. h2coco bottle in hand EAT YOUR HYDRATIONIn summer, you’re almost spoilt for choice when it comes to seasonal fruits and vegetables. Eating foods with a high-water content is one of the best ways to stay hydrated without drinking water. Cut up some watermelons and toss them through a summery fruit salad with other high-water content fruits like strawberries, rockmelon, grapes, peaches and pineapples. You can also feed two birds with one scone by eating vegetables with high-water content to help satisfy your nutrient recommendations and keep you hydrated. Vegetables such as celery, cucumber, tomato, spinach and iceberg lettuce contain over ninety percent of water. KEEP YOUR HYDRATIONNaturally when you’re hydrated, your skin glows from within. The best way to keep that supple skin hydrated is to use lightweight water-based products. In warmer weather your pores are more open, so you don’t want to smother your face with heavy products. Add our Activating Water Essence into your beauty ritual to activate your skin’s ability to retain moisture. To keep your skin refreshed and still moisturised, the best moisturiser to use for summer is our Moisture Plus Rare Rose Gel Cream which works to hydrate and restore the natural glow to your skin.The final step to locking in all that glow is a hydrating facial mist. The best face mist for summer should refresh and balance out your skin. Try our Sweet Violet & Grapefruit Hydrating Mist for instant hydration. Keep a bottle in your fridge or and pop one into your bag for when you need to soothe and refresh your skin on a hot summer’s day.
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NEW YEAR, NEW SKIN RESOLUTIONS
At the beginning of January, we all have the best intentions: go the gym more, cut down on those glasses of red, get eight hours’ every night without fail… relaxing spa day at homeBut for us, one of the best (and easiest) things you can do is vow to make 2020 the year to turn your skin care up a notch. After the holiday season you might be feeling the effects of too many late nights and overdoing it on the food and alcohol – and no doubt it’s starting to show up on your skin. help your skin recover and get your best skin yet with our seven new year skin care resolutions that are so good you’ll actually want to stick to them. Be gentle with your skinWe all know that well-worn phrase ‘new year, new me’. It can be tempting to completely overhaul your skin care ritual at the start of a new year but introducing lots of new products at once can do more harm than good and cause irritation. Introduce any new products gradually to allow your skin to adjust and always choose natural-based products instead of harsh synthetics. Give your skin a bit of TLC with a blend of gentle cleansers, nourishing serums and rich moisturisers suited to your skin concern. Up your exfoliation gameExfoliating 1-2 times a week is essential for revitalising your skin and restoring its natural glow. But how many of us actually stick to a regular exfoliation routine? Make 2020 the year of the face scrub (we love our Daily Exfoliating Cream for a gentle formula that’s kind even to sensitive skin) to reveal your best skin yet. Read our guide to face scrubs to find out how exfoliating can help improve your skin. Incorporate anti-ageingOur skin starts to age when we reach our mid-20s, so it’s never too early to start investing in natural anti-ageing skin care to reduce the appearance of fine lines, dark spots and uneven skin texture. We need different formulas at different stages of our lives, so reaching for the generic anti-ageing cream won’t cut it. If you’re in your late 20s and 30s, chances are you’re starting to see the first signs of ageing (dullness, dryness, fatigue and fine lines), so we recommend using our Herbal Recovery range at this stage. If you’re in your 40s and 50s, we recommend our Nutri-Define range, which effectively targets advanced signs of ageing such as sagging skin, deep lines and wrinkles and improves skin elasticity in the face. Add an eye creamAre you using eye care yet? The skin around our eyes is delicate and thin, so needs special formulas to look after it. Make 2020 the year that you use an eye cream or gel morning and night: bonus points if it has firming and brightening properties, such as our Purely White Skin Brightening Eye Correcting Cream. Use an SPFThe sun’s harmful rays can do more damage to your skin than anything else. Protect your skin from UV damage by wearing an SPF every day, regardless of the weather. This is particularly important after you’ve exfoliated, which can enhance your skin’s vulnerability to UV damage. Apply your SPF after moisturiser but before makeup. Look after your skin from withinLooking for a new year skin detox? Healthy skin starts with a healthy lifestyle. Keep skin hydrated by drinking 2L of water every day and make sure your skin is getting the nutrients it needs with wholefoods, healthy fats and meals rich in fibre (read our guide to eating your way to radiant skin for nutritious ways to improve your diet). Try and get at least half an hour of movement every day (a walk at lunch time is a great way to get moving – and clear your head) and those coveted eight hours of sleep every night. Practice self-careThe new year is a good time to set good intentions for the months to come, and that includes taking time for yourself. Try aromatherapy, meditation or create your own relaxing spa day at home to help restore and rebalance the mind.
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FIVE VEGAN RECIPES YOU NEED TO TRY
Veganism is now the talk of the town and let’s face it, the world (literally) - the vegan hashtag has a huge 87.3 million posts on Instagram. This is also reflected in the vegan food business exploding - sales rose 10 times faster than other foods in the USA. This cultural shift could be attributed to documentaries on Netflix, such as What the Health and The Game Changers - which had everyone talking. But not just talking but looking for a huge shift in their diets and what they consume (and with good reason). There are reportedly numerous benefits for going vegan, from health reasons such as reducing cancer, to how great it is for the environment. Another added bonus? It’s also supposed to be great for your skin. In plant-based diets, there’s thought to be increased levels of vitamins and antioxidants, which are associated with glowing skin. Vegetables and fruits such as tomatoes, peppers, plums and carrots contain carotenoids (the oranges, reds and yellows pigments), which when eaten regularly can help boost your own skin’s brightness. Antioxidants from a plant-based diet can also combat acne, help reduce inflammation and slows down the ageing process. But it doesn’t have to be all or nothing when opting for a vegan diet. One of the easier ways of incorporating into your life? Make it gradual - opting for #MeatFreeMondays, rather than making a huge lifestyle change. We’ve rounded up some of our favourite (and easy-to-make) vegan recipes, which are so good, they might have you making even more plant-based decisions in your daily meal choices. Watermelon Acai Bowl - this is a great way to start the day and pack in the fruit. We love this variation with watermelon - a feast for the eyes and the mouth. Cauliflower Buffalo Wings - if you’re a fan of chicken and not entirely sure how to replace it, then this recipe might be for you. There’s also a vegan ranch dip which sounds absolutely delicious. Balsamic Mushrooms, with Kale - all hail the kale. This superfood is also super tasty and when paired with balsamic roasted mushrooms and mashed potato, it’s even more heavenly. Chickpea Brownies - if you have a sweet tooth, then you’re going to love these gluten-free vegan brownies. Will anyone truly believe they’re made from chickpeas? We can’t wait to make this recipe. Vegan chilli - sometimes after a long work day, the last thing you want to do is cook. But, this easy-to-make vegan chilli is the ideal option for a week-day dinner. It’s also very helpful for batch lunch cooking. Eating vegan is much easier than you think and there are plenty of food options out there, which act as natural swaps for meat and dairy-based meals. With so many beauty, health and environmental benefits, it’s a great way to feel and look good too.
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HABITS FOR THE BEST NIGHT’S SLEEP
You’ve hit snooze three times already and still feel like you’ve only just dozed off. You shuffle your way to the bathroom with groggy eyes and bed hair hoping to wake yourself up with a shower, the endless skin care and makeup products on your counter and dose of caffeine. But it shouldn’t be your morning routine that wakes you up, but rather your night-time routine that should have you waking up feeling naturally refreshed and energised. Sleep expert Matthew Walker says in his book Why We Sleep that sleep enhances our experiences in the day, re-calibrates our emotions and helps our bodies better deal with stress. Here are our tips on the maximising the benefits of sleep so you don’t wake up wishing you had more sleep.Stay consistentYour body relies on predictability and functions better when a routine is set in place. Although it’s tricky to keep a regular sleep schedule, you need to go to sleep and wake up at the same time every day (including weekends!). Don’t just take our word for it, Psychology professor J. Peterson says in his book 12 Rules for Life that in order to make your sleep more effective, it’s important to wake up at a consistent time for our mental health and well-being.A consistent night-time skin care routine will also help prevent signs of ageing. You don’t want to go to sleep with your pore’s clogged with the day’s gunk. Put on something comfy such as Elkie & Ark’s Organic Linen Robe to help you get unready for the night. Our Nutri-Define Supreme Cleansing Foam is perfect to kick start your sleep skin repair process. It gently sweeps away makeup and impurities with natural polishing beads to help encourage healthy cell turnover and leave your skin refreshed and perfectly cleansed for bed. A combination of a natural night cream and eye cream are perfect to have you waking up with glowing skin. Our Nutri-Define Supreme Restorative Rich Cream with its buttery texture will keep your skin hydrated and firm. The best eye cream for lines and puffiness is our Nutri-Define Supreme Eye Contour Balm. Gently smooth it around your eye area to ensure bright and revitalised eyes in the morning.Use linen sheetsYou’re only as cosy as your sheets are, and nothing beats wrapping yourself in luxe fresh sheets. Beyond their softness and breathability, linen sheets are trans-seasonal and temperature-regulating so they’ll keep you cool in summer and warm in winter. The slightly abrasive nature of the fibres also increases your blood flow during sleep. Be careful when making the switch to organic linen sheets as some “organic” bedsheets have been processed with formaldehyde among other chemicals. Sleep better with sustainably made products such as Elkie & Ark’s Linen Sheets, which are free from toxic bleaches, dyes or softeners.Get in the zoneNo more late-night tech sessions, your bedroom should be a sanctuary for respite. Log out for the night and try to leave your phone and other distractions out of the room. To give your brain enough downtime, it’s best to not use anything with a screen at least an hour before bed. If you use your phone as an alarm, make sure to switch your phone to Sleep Mode or put it on silent.With its snooze-inducing properties, Lavender is perfect to help you fall asleep faster. Mist your face and pillowcase with our Lavender Hydrating Mist to soothe and calm your senses. For an extra dose of relaxation, add a couple of drops of our Lavender Pure Essential Oil into a diffuser and as the scent wafts throughout your space, you’ll be asleep before you know it.Caffeinate laterCoffee is an instant pick me up first thing in the morning to get you buzzing for the day. We all do it, but Naturopath/Nutritionist Tabitha at Awaken your Health says that doing this adds stress to your body. Help your body wake up and naturally reduce stress on your system by delaying caffeine until 10 am, and starting the day with a protein, low sugar meal.
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