Navyaa Wellness

Six ways to Pamper yourself

Why Pamper ourselves?
With most of our daily lives busy taking care of our school, work and family roles and responsibilities, we hardly have time for ourselves. Especially with our culture, we ignore our own self to serve other's needs and wishes. However, this is not a sustainable situation for a healthy and balanced life. We need a break once in a while to catch our breath, to regain our health, to restore our natural balance and to enjoy and cherish the meaningful moments of our lives. Essentially, we need some pampering for ourselves. We do not have to wait for an expensive vacation or a trip to an expensive spa or a shopping spree to pamper ourselves. Instead, there are ways to pamper oneself at home and without costing too much time and money. You need to believe that you need and deserve some pampering everyday, which makes you healthier, calmer and happier, and when you are happy, you can spread happiness around you. Here are a few ways to pamper your self everyday.

ONE
Team
Facial Steam helps open up the pores while deeply cleansing and rejuvenating all layers of the skin. Using Ayurvedic herbs in facial steams is a wonderful way to nourish your skin and sooth your mind. Infuse therapeutic herbs or essential oils in hot water; their healing properties will reach deep into your pores via steam. Lavender, Sandalwood, Rose petals and Tulsi are amongst the best herbs to use for facial steam.

TWO
Aromatherapy
Aromatherapy is the practice of using essential oils (extracted from different aromatic plants) for psychological and physical well being. Aromatherapy has lots of benefits- it can reduce stress, stimulate creativity and beautify your skin. There are various ways to experience Aromatherapy; one simple way is to add 3-6 drops of Essential oils in bath. Lavender, Rose, Ylang Ylang and Lilac essential oils make the best experience. Another way is via inhalation- the sense of smell is communicated the fastest and most directly to not just our brain but to our entire nervous system. Inhalation also delivers essential oil molecules to the respiratory system, benefiting issues such as lung congestion, coughing and asthma.

THREE
Daily Meditation
Meditation promotes relaxation, good health and sound sleep. The goal is simply to focus your mind and quiet your busy thoughts. Set aside some time each day and begin by meditating for 5 minutes, and work your way up to 10 -15 minutes or more each day. A good time to meditate is in the morning when your mind is fresh. Sit or lie in a comfortable position with your spine as straight as you can make it; close your eyes and relax each part of your body. Next, concentrate on your breathing-count each inhalation and exhalation until you reach ten; repeat for 5-10 minutes.

FOUR
Oiling the body
Abhyanga (self oiling the body) massage helps calm down the doshas, relieves fatigue, increases blood circulation, lubricates joints, eliminates impurities from the body, improves sleep pattern, makes skin smooth, and provides strength to your body. Massage your body every morning before you go to bath with sesame oil. Sesame oil is rich in antioxidants, therefore, it protects the skin from damages and repairs skin problems. It also protects the skin from free radical damage and is found to be very effective for the bodily processes. You can also use aromatic oils, organic sesame oil, coconut oil, herbal massage oil for Abhyanga massage.

FIVE
Tak ing car e of the soles
Ayurvedic foot massage tradition can be traced back 5,000 years. It nourishes the skin, improves blood and lymph circulation and soothes the agitated mind. It relaxes the muscles of the feet and legs and can also help alleviate stress, anxiety, nervousness and depression. Warm oil is preferable to cold because it is comforting and penetrates the skin more easily. Gently rub oil in small circular motions from the ankle to the toes; then from the ankle to the heels. Gently rub oil in small circular motions on the soles of the feet. Foot massage can be the best way to relax your tired feet at night. Apart from foot massage, foot soak made of salt and various herbs are also relaxing for the tired soles.

SIX
Polish your body
Regular exfoliation will remove the dead outer layer of your skin to reveal a healthier looking skin. Exfoliating increases blood circulation, fights cellulite, opens and cleanses pores and removes dry itch and flakiness. Use scrubs at least once a week, up to 2 or 3 times per week. Apply a handful of scrub to damp skin before showering. Massage in a circular motion, beginning with feet, and work your way up. Continue massaging to allow essential oils to penetrate the skin; and rinse. Homemade scrub – Take ½ cup if sugar, 1 tbsp of honey, 3 drops of essential oil (Lavender and Rose are my favorites), and 2 tbsp of olive oil. Mix together and a luxurious homemade scrub is ready.