Now is a good time to establish healthy routines

As our “new normal “continues at what feels like a snail’s pace, now is a perfect time to establish some new routines into our lives and possibly review old ones that may not be serving us any longer.  Studies have shown implementing or having a routine helps us cope with change, it helps us create and establish healthy habits, and it also helps to reduce stress levels and yes, we could all use some stress reduction! 

So, lets first get the definition of a routine down.  A routine is a “sequence of actions regularly followed; a fixed program.  We all have a few routines that we may follow in a day; many people may wake up and do a certain set of activities every day.  An example of a routine would be:

1.  Wake at 6 am
2. Brush teeth
3. Make bed
4. Make coffee
5. Sit down read e-mails
6. Dress and go to work

This routine would be done “almost” every day.  So, to break it down routines are a group of habits done in a sequence.

"We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, then, is not an act, but a habit."- Aristotle

Routines Help Us Alleviate Stress:

Creating a few routines will allow you to set times for specific tasks and provides you the option to set aside time for the things you also find enjoyable, makes you happy and is considered fun! As long as your routines are healthy and beneficial, they will ultimately reduce stress and provide a structure to your day.  Daily routines can ensure a wide variety of positive outcomes.  With the gradual re-opening of many states, our routines will most likely “shift” from our “now” normal into a “new” normal.  With the encouragement of continued social distancing, less contact with those we do not know, and many other variables such as our families being home more, wearing face masks in public, etc. This is a good time to take note of your routines and possibly redefine and add a few new ones into your day.  Some suggestions for new routines are:

1.  Waking up at the same time each day
2. Implementing a morning skincare routine
3. Planning and implementing an exercise routine: there are many online and free options
4. Establishing “set” times for breakfast, lunch and dinner and making them healthy choices
5. Establishing a time to enjoy nature outside, if possible while home
6. Setting a routine for your evening, including some relaxation with family or a Zoom call to connect with those you can socialize with from a distance
7. Providing time to journal or set goals for the next day
8. Implementing an evening skincare routine 

By establishing routines and sticking to them your life begins to have structure and a sense of balance and stability.  With all the changes we have had to make in such a short time, healthy routines are a positive force.  Consider establishing a healthy skincare routine.  Now, with the added mandate of wearing face masks while in public, our skin may become more irritated, a bit dirtier (it gets moist under those masks) and more stressed.  So, now is a great time to get your skincare routine on task. 

I have spoken with lots of folks from their late 20’s into their 80’s regarding skincare routines and many stated they did not know how to start a skincare routine, did not have enough time, or just did not understand the importance of one.  If one of these responses sounds like you let us help.

A morning skincare routine starts with the following: 

1. Wash your face with a cleanser such as Soft Milk Cleanser
2. Apply an antioxidant serum with vitamin C such as The Best of Everything
3. Apply a peptide/bio-identical stem cell serum such as The Matrix Stem Cell Serum
4. Apply a moisturizer such as Advanced Hydration Hyaluronic Face Cream
5. Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30

 An evening routine would add some effective ingredients that improve your skin while resting:

1. Wash your face with a cleanser such as Soft Milk Cleanser
2. Apply a night serum such as ReNew and Regenerate Night Serum
3. Apply a peptide/bio-identical stem cell serum such as the Matrix Stem Cell Serum
4. Apply a moisturizer such as Advanced Hydration Hyaluronic Face Cream

Starting a skincare routine will ensure that your skin looks and feels healthy.  As with anything, to achieve the best results from your skincare products a firm routine will maximize the results you are looking for. A little note of interest, after cleansing your skin you apply your thinnest products first and proceed on down to the thickest.  The only exception is your sunscreen which is applied last in your morning routine.

Remember our skin is our first line of defense against germs so let’s focus on getting a routine in place to take good care of the skin.