I've learned just how vital it is to spend time deeply relaxing, rejuvenating, resting and giving my body [as well as my mind] some time to recover from the daily routine of being on the go as soon as the alarm rings until it's time to hit the sack again, often 6 days a week!
My choice of restorative joy, if you will, whenever I feel in need, is to meditate and to also give myself a full body pamper session before getting an early night and this would be done on a Friday evening [if I’ve no other plans] so I can still make the most of my weekend!
HAIR
When rocking braids, I condition my hair using castor oil, coconut oil, pure olive oil and the African Pride Olive Miracle Braid Sheen Spray. There's a theme there, ha-ha! A small amount of each product is used and once conditioned, I tend to leave the hair wrapped for 20-30 minutes. This process leaves my hair soft, shiny and fresh. I also wash my hair whilst in braids using organic products which, at the time this post was published, I've actually run out of! Eek!
My hands can get so dry which annoys me big time, however, I've found that regular care has improved the actual look and feel of them! After cleaning them with hot water and a gentle hand-wash, I apply a scrub, rinse, then do a manicure if needed and, again, moisturise with one of the above-mentioned oils. I then place them inside 'moisturising gloves' until the moisture is completely absorbed. I try not to do anything with my hands for about an hour afterwards.
FACE
As you may know, I give a lot of love and attention to my face. I have followed a very simple cleansing routine from age 16! I wash my face with hot water only [this sometimes follows exfoliation], cleanse using either the Boots Essentials Facial Toner, or Distilled Witch Hazel, I then apply a face mask [one that is gentle, includes antioxidants and smells amazing], after which it’s all about the under eye patches. When the patches have been removed, I then apply quite a generous amount of oil [either coconut, or olive].
Shower first, of course! Occasional full body scrub [I currently only use those pictured], then rinse and wash, pat myself dry [so that some water remains] and then I work in some Aqueous cream mixed with either olive or coconut oil all over. I clearly love me some oil, LOL! Keeps my skin soft and smooth.
FEET
Although I do not have very nice-looking feet, real talk, they feel like those of a newborn, if I do say so myself! My heels are soft and free from any cracks, there is zero rough skin and they don’t smell. Chuffed to be winning somewhere in my life, LOL! After washing them [I may have had a pedicure beforehand, ideally 1 – 3 days prior], I pat them almost dry and apply a foot mask, I then work the remaining product from the mask into the feet followed by some Aqueous cream mixed with olive oil.
Summary
It’s all about taking a few hours, or an entire day, to unwind, relieve stress and give yourself the space to treat your body from head to toe, literally! It’s super simple, but it takes a dedicated period of uninterrupted time. I absolutely LOVE IT!! The way I feel so amazing after half a day, or a full day, of self-care is beyond all words. I highly recommend it!
Written by Charley Jai - @charleyjaiuk
All details and information correct and up to date at the time of publishing.