Modern day life involves so much online and offline schedules that it can get hectic and oppressive even. The stress that comes from this environment can easily affect our health (and skin!). Not to mention, the buildup can sometimes develop into a bit of "hardness" in our personality or character. Softness is so important to our mental wellbeing, for example, being able to speak softly to ourselves or just feeling relaxed and "soft" and safe.
I'm currently juggling an MBA program while being a marketing girlie for Bedaskin, which means it is as overwhelming as it gets. As much as I love and enjoy everything I'm doing right now, I have definitely had to find a routine to ensure that I am not neglecting my "softness" while meeting deadlines, acing exams, and making sure that I deliver the best version of myself in my work.
Today, I want to share some self-care rituals that have become my lifeline, helping me manage stress and maintain a semblance of balance so that we can make sure our skin and overall health don't suffer too much. The goals of having glowy skin doesn't just come from having the right skincare, stress affects our hormones and directly leads to our skin's health.
Table of Content
Morning Meditation: Setting the Tone for the Day
It is so crucial to not wake up in a rush and have a slow, peaceful morning. Even just 10 minutes of focused breathing and mindfulness can make a world of difference.
I try to be in tune with my own personal spirituality, and whatever that may be for you, practicing a few minutes of intentional mindfulness helps ground you, when sometimes the world feels like its spinning so fast that you feel like you're going to fly off.
This practice helps me clear my mind, set my intentions, and face the day with a calm and focused mindset.
P.S Our community hang at Matchali cafe tomorrow will have a mini breathwork workshop with coach Heanney!
Music has really helped, too. I essentially have a playlist for every mood and for every part of the day, be it for my morning routine, driving, reading a book/studying or even on nights where it's hard to fall asleep.
Everyone says to treat life as if you are the main character of your own movie, so I took it a step further and made my own soundtrack.
Power Breakfast: Fueling Up for the Challenges Ahead
I usually eat something quick because I don't really have an appetite in the mornings, but I know how important it is for your metabolism and overall health. I usually have eggs and toast but the real star is my power green juice. This quick, nutrient-packed juice gives me the energy I need to tackle my intensive study sessions, 8 hour classes and work without feeling sluggish.
Occasionally I like to mix it up and make some wellness shots instead. I recently started following a recipe for Morning Matcha Glow Shots and it's been a great addition + the stable caffeine boost has been really helpful.
Time Blocking: Creating Structure in Chaos
Time blocking has become my best friend. I schedule my day in chunks dedicated to studying, working, and self-care.
By assigning specific times for each task, I avoid feeling overwhelmed and ensure I’m giving my full attention to one thing at a time. This method has drastically improved my productivity and reduced my stress levels.
It's taken a bit of trial and error to find a system that works. Everyone is so different and some people thrive with high flexibility. But over time, I found that creating a strong structure and routine is not only effective for me, but incredibly satisfying.
I love checking things off my to do list and seeing all that I have accomplished throughout the day/week.
I think a lot of us procrastinate, not out of laziness but fear and there's an actual term for that called "Analysis Paralysis". Studies show that using a checklist, and crossing tasks improve our productivity and pulls us out of this paralysis state.
And it doesn't have to be a super fancy or complicated system. Most of my time blocking techniques are through using simple platforms such as notion, google calendar or even the basic notes app on my macbook/iphone. My personal favourite however, is to use literal post-it notes and sticking them on my laptop, my desk or my even my wall. It's kind of funny to see random post it notes everywhere but it works and that's all that matters.
Midday Walks: A Breath of Fresh Air
Whenever I feel my energy dipping or my stress levels rising, I take a short walk outside.
Just 15 minutes of fresh air and a change of scenery can work wonders. It’s a great way to reset, clear my mind, and come back to my desk with renewed focus. Plus, it’s an opportunity to get some light exercise and enjoy a moment of peace.
I also try to at least incorporate more nature in my work process itself. Since I work remotely, I have so much fun picking new places to do my tasks and I try to find unique locations that are surrounded by greenery, like this glasshouse cafe!
Studies have shown that seeing greenery actually helps calm us down, and I definitely feel the positive impact of it.
Study Breaks: The Pomodoro Technique
In addition to walking breaks, having frequent study breaks is important. Long study sessions can be exhausting, so I have been using the Pomodoro Technique to keep my brain fresh since my undergrad years.
This involves studying for 25 minutes and then taking a 5-minute break. After four cycles, I take a longer break of 15-30 minutes.
These short breaks help me stay productive, sustain focus and prevent burnout. Plus, there are so many cute timers online that you can use for time tracking!
Power of Working Out: Unwinding and Releasing Tension
Working out for me started from a negative place. It started from a place where I felt like I had low self-worth. But that has changed over time as I started to care for my body and prioritise my health.
There's something incredibly rewarding about training your body to be stronger, more flexible and improving your mobility. My fitness journey has truly become such an important outlet for my stress. I always feel so much more focused and clear headed after a workout session as if I physically wiped out all the fuzz and noise in my head.
I like to do some weight training but more and more I have started to enjoy low impact workouts such as pilates and yoga.
P.S Can I just say how strong-hold the Beda Claw Clip is. It was so comfortable to wear throughout all of my workouts. Plus, I got mega compliments on it.
Female-only Gyms - A hidden gem
I go to a female-only gym and its been really great. It's actually quite common in Muslim countries. Growing up in Dubai, I have frequently been exposed to so many women entrepreneurs starting niche businesses that aim to give women a safe space and a place to thrive.
After seeing a new female-only gym near me, I decided to make the switch because of how many perks there are! The gym is well equipped with free weights and machines, but what I really liked was how they had a variety of lighter weights for women who can't or don't want to lift heavy. There are also a variety of classes like pilates and dance, which I thought was really great because there's this understanding of how our bodies tend to work better with low impact workouts + the variety is always appreciated.
Journaling & Reading: Reflecting, Escapism & Letting Go
Before bed, I like to spend a few minutes journaling. I write down my thoughts, what I’m grateful for, and any stressors I encountered during the day. This simple act of reflection helps me process my emotions, recognize patterns, and let go of any lingering stress. It’s a therapeutic practice that brings a sense of closure to my day. My notes app is full of tea, so I hope no one ever picks up my phone if I were to lose it.
Writing and reading go hand in hand. I have always been a book worm, and I have a deeper sense of appreciation for books as an adult. Reading not only helps me escape the world for a bit, but it also is a form of inner reflection to see yourself in stories and characters; to feel empathy and gain a deeper understanding of the human condition.
Other than reading, I can't emphasise enough how important it is to make time for your hobbies. Doing something purely for you and your enjoyment. What is something you used to love doing as a kid, but haven't really made the time to revisit as an adult?
Connecting with Loved Ones: Building a Support System
Maintaining connections with friends and family is crucial. I'm personally quite introverted and love to keep my circle small, but sometimes going out getting drinks, having a nice meal and meeting new people is really healthy.
Did you know? Studies show that women live longer because of female friendship. The fact that we are able to be vulnerable and share our feelings without societal judgement actually prolongs are lifespan. I make it a point to call or meet up with loved ones regularly. Their support and understanding provide a comforting reminder that I’m not alone in this journey. Plus, sharing a laugh or venting about a tough day always lightens the load.
The fact that I can always count on my best friend to cheer me up is a privilege that I will always treasure.
Self-Care Sundays: A Day Just for Me
Lastly, I’ve dedicated Sundays as my self-care day. I use this time to indulge in activities that bring me joy and relaxation, whether it’s a long bath, reading a novel, baking, or simply lounging around. This ritual allows me to recharge and start the week with a fresh perspective.
Watching films is also a favourite pasttime of mine. Raunchy comedies, cheesy romcons or dystopian sci-fi - I am all for it.
Honestly, my ideal night is as simple as reading a book to unwind, sipping my anti-inflammatory tea, taking my time with my skincare routine, putting on a sheet mask and slowly drifting off to sleep with some good music or ASMR.
I love using my tried and true Im From Rice Toner to deeply hydrate my skin and the Bedaskin Multi Active Treatment Essence as a spot treatment. With high stress environments, my skin definitely takes the hit. I always get deep cystic breakouts all over my face when I am too stressed and sleep deprived.
Ensuring I get quality and sufficient hours of sleep is crucial. I've been listening to ASMR since I was 12 and it has been a reliable crutch to lean on when I have anxiety, need to focus on tasks or quiet my mind to fall asleep. Even with its popularity over the past decade, I still think ASMR is under-rated.
Another thing I have implemented with significant changes is a digital detox. I set a rule and try my best to turn off all screens at least an hour before bedtime. Instead of scrolling through social media, I read a book, or even just stare at the ceiling and allow myself to think and feel. This has dramatically improved my sleep quality and overall well-being.
More and more I've been trying to remind myself, that I can and deserve to have more than just one day to treat myself with kindness.
"Find A Routine Baggy Enough To Live In"
Balancing an MBA program and work is no easy feat, but these self-care rituals have become my anchor.
They remind me that taking care of myself is just as important as my academic and professional pursuits. I hope some of these tips resonate with you and help you find your own balance in this hectic yet rewarding journey.
Remember, self-care isn’t selfish—it’s essential. Take care, keep thriving and protect your peace.
Here's a lovely excerpt that I saw that I want to share with you, which I think perfectly encapsulates everything.
With love,
Alia
