MIND & BODY
HANDLING THE WINTER BLUES TLC FOR YOUR MIND AND BODY WRITTEN BY DEBORAH EAKIN OSBORNE
It’s January, and it’s winter. Once the holidays have come and gone, it doesn’t seem like a joyous season anymore. Bare branches have taken the place of brightly colored autumn leaves, and it’s much too early to yearn for the green of spring. How does one muddle through these cold, dark months between our more colorful seasons? “When you feel better on the outside, I can almost guarantee that you will feel better on the inside,” says Gina Rafkind, owner and founder of VedaSun (vedasun.com). Rafkind believes it is important to set aside some time for yourself every day “to care for the vessel that houses your spirit.” Here are some ways to do just that.
hot chocolate are great ways to warm up and stay hydrated.
Hydrate
Moisturize
People tend to drink less water as the temperature drops. Being dehydrated will make you tired and more prone to snacking. Herbal teas and low-calorie
Exfoliate Weekly exfoliation helps remove dry, flaky skin to reveal radiant, smooth skin. Plus, your moisturizer will absorb more quickly and deeply, allowing it to do its job better.
An oil-based (rather than water-based) moisturizer or night cream will create a protective layer on the skin and retain more moisture than a lotion. Look
for products that are made with nonclogging oils such as avocado, mineral, primrose, or almond oil. If you prefer lotions, look for those containing humectants—a class of substances that includes glycerine, sorbitol, and alpha-hydroxy acids—which will attract moisture to your skin. Moisturize hands and feet every night.
Avoid extremely hot water when bathing or showering An intensely hot bath or shower breaks down the lipid barriers in the skin, leading to moisture loss. Warm continued on page 18
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SIMPLYkc MAGAZINE
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JANUARY 2022
