Category: Self-Care & Wellbeing

1. The Benefits of Autumn and Winter Massages

   Posted on 9:00am Tuesday 6th Nov 2018

   

   The Benefits of Having a Massage in Autumn and Winter

   It feels like autumn is almost over and the cold of winter is approaching faster than we'd like!

   However, the colder months do have their advantages: open fireplaces, bright frosty mornings, cosy woolly jumpers, warming food and, of course, a very good excuse to slow down and pamper yourself.

   You may be embracing the party season with hair, make-up and sparkling manicures, but don't forget about the benefits of taking some time out for your body and mind too.

   A massage can be a wonderful addition to your autumn and winter self-care routine. From easing muscular tension to helping you relax and unwind, there are plenty of reasons to book yourself some time on the massage couch.

   Here are some of my favourite benefits of having a massage during the colder months.

   Massage Can Help Relieve Muscular Tension

   Cold weather can encourage us to hunch our shoulders, curl up into ourselves and generally move a little differently.

   Add busy schedules, working at a computer, driving, Christmas shopping and the general stresses of everyday life, and it's no surprise that our muscles can start to feel tense and tired.

   Massage can help relax tight muscles and ease everyday muscular tension, leaving your body feeling looser and more comfortable.

   Swedish Massage is particularly lovely if you're feeling physically tense, tired or achy and simply need some time to switch off.

   Massage Can Support Relaxation and Circulation

   Massage involves rhythmic movements and pressure applied to the soft tissues of the body, which can encourage local circulation and create a wonderful sense of warmth and relaxation.

   There's also something particularly comforting about having a warm, relaxing massage when it's cold and dark outside!

   Rather than focusing on the winter weather itself, I think one of the biggest benefits is simply taking yourself out of your normal routine and giving your body an opportunity to relax.

   Massage Can Help Keep Your Skin Feeling Soft

   Cold weather, wind, low humidity and central heating can all contribute to dry and uncomfortable skin during the winter months.

   Massage oils can help moisturise and condition the skin while the massage itself provides a relaxing treatment for the body.

   If you choose an Aromatherapy Massage, your massage oil can also be blended with carefully selected essential oils to create a personalised treatment experience.

   Remember that different essential oils have different properties and aren't suitable for everyone, so professional advice is important when choosing an aromatherapy blend.

   Massage Can Help You Switch Off

   Winter can be a surprisingly stressful time of year.

   Christmas shopping, work deadlines, family commitments, school holidays, social events and financial pressures can all build up, leaving you feeling like you need a break before Christmas has even arrived!

   A massage gives you dedicated time away from your usual responsibilities.

   You don't need to answer emails, do the shopping, clean the house or organise everyone else.

   For the duration of your treatment, your only job is to lie back, relax and let someone else take care of you for a change.

   Massage and Your Mood

   Massage is often associated with relaxation and an improved sense of wellbeing.

   The combination of therapeutic touch, a calm environment and taking time away from everyday demands can help you feel more relaxed and uplifted.

   And let's face it, sometimes we simply need a little bit of pampering!

   Indian Head Massage, Holistic Face Massage and Aromatherapy Massage are all lovely options if you're looking for a relaxing treatment that helps you switch off from the outside world.

   Winter Headaches and Tension

   Some people experience more headaches during the colder months.

   Headaches can have many different causes, including stress, dehydration, illness, sinus problems, poor posture, eye strain and muscular tension.

   If you experience tension around your head, neck and shoulders, an Indian Head Massage or Holistic Face Massage may be a lovely relaxing treatment to consider.

   Aromatherapy can also be incorporated into your treatment, with essential oils such as Peppermint traditionally used for their fresh, cooling aroma.

   However, if you experience persistent, severe or unusual headaches, it's important to speak to your GP or another appropriate healthcare professional rather than relying on massage.

   And don't forget your eyes! If you're experiencing frequent headaches or eye strain, it may also be worth having your eyesight checked by an optician.

   Make Time for Yourself This Autumn and Winter

   The colder months don't have to be all about surviving until spring!

   They can also be an opportunity to slow down, get cosy and give yourself permission to rest.

   A massage can be a wonderful way to look after yourself during autumn and winter, whether you're dealing with muscular tension, feeling stressed and overwhelmed, or simply fancy some much-needed pampering.

   So, if the dark evenings and chilly mornings are starting to get you down, why not embrace the cosy side of winter and book yourself some time to relax?

   After all, sometimes the best thing you can do is stop, breathe and let someone else look after you for an hour.

   And you might even feel human again afterwards!

   Until next time,

   Zoe

   x

2. Winter Skin Care

   Posted on 12:30pm Friday 5th Oct 2018

   

   Winter Skin Care: How to Look After Your Skin During the Colder Months

   With summer well and truly behind us and the cooler autumn weather becoming a daily occurrence, it’s time to start thinking about winter.

   I love the cosy nights in front of the fire and the excuse to enjoy warming food, but one thing I don't love is the effect that cold winter weather can have on our skin!

   Winter can be particularly challenging for our skin. Cold winds, low humidity, central heating and hot showers can all contribute to dry, tight and uncomfortable skin.

   So, what can you do to keep your skin feeling healthy, comfortable and nourished throughout the winter months?

   Winter Body Care

   During winter, our skin has to cope with constant changes in temperature.

   You might go from a warm home or office into freezing outdoor temperatures, then back into a heated environment again. Cold, dry air combined with central heating can contribute to moisture loss, leaving the skin feeling dry, tight, flaky or irritated.

   Then there are those lovely hot showers and baths that we all crave when the weather is freezing!

   Unfortunately, very hot water can strip the skin of its natural oils and make dryness worse. Keeping your bath or shower warm rather than very hot, and keeping it relatively short, can help protect your skin's natural moisture barrier.

   Don't forget to moisturise afterwards, while your skin is still slightly damp, to help lock in moisture.

   Body Treatments for Winter Skin

   If your skin is feeling particularly dry or dehydrated, a professional body treatment can be a lovely way to give it some extra care.

   A back or chest facial can cleanse, exfoliate and nourish the skin, helping to remove dead skin cells and leave the skin feeling smoother and refreshed.

   A body wrap can also be a wonderfully relaxing winter treatment. Depending on the type of wrap chosen, it can help condition and moisturise the skin while giving you some much-needed time to relax.

   And, of course, there is something particularly lovely about getting cosy and warm during a treatment when it's cold and miserable outside!

   

   Winter Facial Treatments

   Your face is particularly exposed during winter because, unlike the rest of your body, it isn't usually protected by several layers of clothing.

   Cold winds and changes in temperature can leave the skin feeling dry, tight and uncomfortable. Lips can become chapped and the skin around the nose can become particularly sore during the winter months.

   Even if you already have a good skincare routine, your skin's needs can change as the seasons change.

   A professional facial can help cleanse, gently exfoliate and moisturise the skin, leaving your complexion feeling softer, smoother and more comfortable.

   Your therapist can also assess your skin and recommend treatments and products according to your individual needs.

   If you enjoy combining facial treatments with relaxation, adding a back, neck and shoulder massage can be a wonderful way to release tension while giving you some precious time to switch off.

   Simple Winter Skin Care Tips

   There are several simple things you can do at home to help your skin cope with the colder months.

   Stay Hydrated

   Drinking enough water is important for your overall health and wellbeing throughout the year.

   Although drinking water isn't a magic solution for dry skin, staying adequately hydrated is an important part of looking after yourself, particularly during the colder months when central heating can make the air feel very dry.

   Look After Your Diet

   A varied, balanced diet provides the nutrients your body needs to maintain healthy skin and overall wellbeing.

   Try to include plenty of fruit and vegetables, nuts, seeds, whole grains, healthy fats and good sources of protein.

   Foods rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants can all form part of a healthy diet that supports your skin from within.

   Avoid Very Hot Baths and Showers

   I know how tempting it is to turn the temperature right up when you've been outside in freezing weather!

   However, very hot water can strip away some of the skin's natural oils and may make dryness and irritation worse.

   Try keeping your showers and baths warm rather than very hot and avoid spending too long in the water.

   Moisturise Regularly

   Moisturising regularly is particularly important during winter.

   Choose a moisturiser that suits your skin type and apply it after bathing or showering to help maintain your skin's moisture barrier.

   Don't Forget Your SPF

   Just because it's winter doesn't mean you can forget about sun protection.

   UV exposure still occurs throughout the year, so using a suitable SPF as part of your daily skincare routine is important, particularly if you spend time outdoors.

   Winter in the UK can certainly be challenging: dark mornings, freezing winds, rain, cold temperatures and central heating can all take their toll on our skin.

   But winter also gives us the perfect excuse to slow down, get cosy and give ourselves a little extra care.

   So rather than waiting until your skin becomes really dry and uncomfortable, why not make winter skincare part of your regular self-care routine?

   And if your skin needs a little extra help, a professional facial or body treatment can be a lovely way to give your skin some attention while giving yourself some much-needed relaxation time too.

   Stay warm, look after your skin and enjoy the cosy side of winter!

   Until next time,

   Zoe

   x