Nurture and Nourish
Exhausted? Check. Strung out by pre Christmas deadlines? Check. Want to pull the duvet over your head and ignore the alarm? Check. It is hardly surprising that this is how most of us feel at this time of year. Were we in the animal kingdom we would already have bedded down for our winter hibernation by now? Yet, in an unfortunate twist of irony, when our bodies are at their slowest, we are faced with a glut of extra work and social commitments.
So what’s the best way to navigate our natural winter slump? By following some simple internal and external advice that will ease the stress on our systems by helping them to carry out their functions despite working more slowly. First, start eating foods that are easy for the body to digest. “The gut likes to slow down at this time of year,” explains Emma. “So eat plenty of soft, warm foods such as homemade soups and casseroles that provide energy but are easy for the body to break down. Chicken stock, pulses and root vegetables are all especially beneficial for the immune system.” Nigella Lawson’s Golden Root Vegetable Stew (How To Eat, £17.50; Chatto & Windus) and Nigel Slater’s simple Stew with barley (The Kitchen Diaries, £25; Fourth Estate) are wonderfully soothing.
As the circulation winds down, so does the body’s ability to expel toxins. Dry body brushing is a quick way to counter this. “Brush from the extremities towards the heart for two minutes a day,” advises Emma. “As well as boosting the circulation and removing dead skin cells, this is very energizing as it stimulates the acupressure points.” For the face, step up your exfoliating routine. If you usually use the Moringa Seeds in the Amazing Face Cleansing System once a week, increase to every couple of days. Another great tonic for sluggish circulation is plenty of warm baths laced with therapeutic essential oils. “They are great for energizing the immune system and, not only does the warmth boost the circulation, but as the blood is nearer to the skin’s surface when we are warm, the essential oils enter the bloodstream more efficiently.” Invigorating immune-boosting blends with eucalyptus and pine are the ideal support network for a suppressed system. Try Micheline Arcier Vigeur Aromatherapy Bath Oil (from £11 for 15ml; www.michelinearcier.com) or Aromatherapy Associates Support Breathe Bath and Shower Oil (£34 for 55ml; www.aromatherapyassociates.com).
This isn’t simply a time of helping to purge the body of toxins, however. The skin needs extra cosseting against the elements, both from internal and external sources. “Keep skin nourished by eating plenty of essential fatty acids found in oily fish, avocado and Brazil nuts and layer your products to plump, pamper and protect your skin from these wintery days,” advises Emma. “Apply any water-based serums first, followed by your moisturiser, with oil on top to seal in moisture.” Try a pea-sized amount of Moringa Cleansing Balm over your moisturiser. Still feeling lethargic? The good news is that it is ok to succumb to your natural urge to hibernate. “It is best to try not to fight this,” says Emma. “Avoid late nights, go to bed earlier. Pace yourself with Christmas parties so you don’t burn out before Christmas itself.”
Facial tip of the month – Jaw and neck
Place the fingertips of both hands on one side of the neck at the midway point between the chin and the base of the neck, in line with your ear. Quickly and firmly spread your fingertips apart in a vertical line, moving the top hand to the jawline and the bottom to collar-bone level. Repeat 6-10 times, and then rotate the position of your hands so that they are closer to the centre of the body. Repeat the stretching movement. Continue to rotate the hand position and repeat the stretches until you have worked across the entire neck. Finish by firmly pinching the skin and muscle of the neck all over between your thumb and forefinger.
Spreading the word
“Embark on some housework for the mind,” says Emma. “It is always good to enter the New Year fresh and with focus, so begin to sort out and resolve any loose ends whether they involve work, friendships or love.”
Latest news update
What greater gift could you give this Christmas than glowing skin and a youth-enhancing lift? No, we don’t suggest you shower your friends with acid face peels or trips to the cosmetic surgeons. We do however think they would feel utterly spoilt by one of the new vouchers for the Emma Hardie Natural Sculpting Facial (£130; available by calling 01923 839 505).
