5 minute read
stay MOTIVATED
Motivated! Motivated! It’s a new year and a fresh start for us all. Here’s our guide to keeping motivated and staying focused.
Has the new year found you in need of a bit more get-upand-go? Don’t worry, it’s normal to need a boost now and then. Sometimes it’s a matter of taking better care of yourself, getting enough sleep and learning to live in the moment.
It can also help to be reminded of what a fabulous industry hairdressing is and the incredible career you are heading towards if you keep working hard and stay focused.
Over the next four pages, we talk to some successful hairdressers about how they keep motivated, plus we look at ways you can look after your mind and body to ensure both are ready to embrace the exciting journey 2022 has in store for you.
DAN SPILLER
Artistic Team Member, Marc Antoni, Fleet
“I’m so fortunate that no two days in hairdressing are ever the same, and this keeps the creativity flowing which is fantastic and certainly keeps me on my toes. When looking to get motivated, I only have to look at my clients and my team and this instantly motivates me. My team members strive to achieve the best results for their clients and once the results are unveiled this is motivation in itself.
“In order to maintain my passion for hairdressing, I personally love going to events as it really gets me back in the zone and keeps my mind fresh and inspiration flowing. Shows such as Salon International and Pro Hair Live and the line-up of events from the Fellowship for British Hairdressing are a great way to embrace your passion for hairdressing and keep the excitement alight.
“Social media is also another quick and easy way to keep the passion going and is something I use on a daily basis. Facebook lives, Instagram reels and transformations always lure me in and I always find myself getting excited and inspired.”
KAROLIINA SAUNDERS
Owner, Karoliina Saunders Hair Design, Highworth, Wiltshire
“I’m one of life’s lucky ones as I absolutely love my job and therefore welcome every day as it dawns — that’s if I’m not already up creating wigs for shows or doing something equally creatively inspiring! However, for those who find it difficult to motivate themselves, you have to start with a certain level of self-belief and work in a positive environment where your input is respected. There will always be small elements of your job that you dislike, but go with the flow as mastering these elements will make you an even better hairdresser.
“If it’s all work and no play, that doesn’t help press your motivational button either. Invest in your well-being by taking regular exercise, even if it means getting out of the salon in your breaktime and walking around the block telling yourself how great you are.”
ASHLEIGH HODGES
Director, Hairdotcom Art Team
“To motivate myself, I look outside our industry. I’ll listen to someone I find inspirational or look into a subject I find interesting, whether it be on a podcast or a documentary.
“I love the platform Masterclass.com and often watch one of their short documentaries during a lunch break to engage my brain and help make me think differently. I then take that lesson and apply it to my life and my work.”
@danspiller2010 @karoliinasaunders @ashleigh_hodges_hair
Stay positive!
GET YOUR SLEEP
One thing you need to stay motivated is energy and one of the best ways to ensure you feel energised is to get enough sleep — around eight hours a night is generally considered ideal.
While you sleep, your body is repairing and regenerating and your mind is resting, which means a good night’s sleep will result in a day where you feel energised and, quite literally, renewed.
TIPS FOR A GOOD NIGHT’S SLEEP
• Avoid blue light before bed. Blue light from computers and mobile phones can trick your brain into thinking it's still daylight and, therefore, not time to sleep. Try and avoid any blue-light devices for an hour before you head to bed.
• Declutter. Keep your bedroom clutter-free — the more minimalist the better. Clutter is not good for a restful state of mind.
• Restful colours. Certain colours are better for making us feel relaxed. Blues, yellows and greens have been shown to promote healthier sleep patterns, according to research by Travelodge.
• Avoid caffeine. Caffeine is a stimulant so avoid drinks such as coffee and regular tea for a good few hours before bedtime. Instead, opt for caffeine-free options such as camomile tea.
BE MINDFUL
It’s easy to let our minds wander and think about what still needs doing, rather than focusing on the moment, and getting the most out of it. Simple meditation techniques can help retrain the brain to stay focused and lead to a general feeling of well-being.
Meditation is a great way to start your day; think of it as decluttering your mind before you tackle whatever the day has in store with renewed energy.
Just take 10 minutes each morning to relax and breathe. Find somewhere quiet to lie or sit, close your eyes and focus on your breathing, taking slow in and out breaths. And don’t worry about those distracting thoughts that keep popping into your head, just let them drift through your mind, but don’t pay them any attention.
These 10 minutes of simple breathing exercises can help clear your mind, relax you and get the day off to a positive start. It will also begin to train you to be more mindful and soon you will start to enjoy all the benefits that this brings.
