Cleanse
My morning is by far my busiest and most anxious producing time of the day. The copious amounts of coffee I intake probably doesn’t help, but I am never giving that up.
After a lot of self-reflection in the last year, I have learned that a lot of my axiety can be curtailed by simply putting effort in being present. This however is much easier said than done.
I have an innate tendency to plan, hoping to get ahead of problems before they arise, and this way of thinking starts immediately from the moment I get out of bed. And so, any second I can take to slow down is cherished like pure GOLD.
Monday through Thursday I try to be up by 6am. For the first two hours I try to tackle any emails I missed while sleeping. Doing this in the morning is so efficient because most people are not awake yet, and I don’t get trapped in back and forth replies.
After emails, I get my calendar organized so that the rest of the day is just about executing.
Eyes
After a quick hour workout at my happy place, Equinox in Williamsburg or in my living room through Equinox+ (Equinox’s streaming service), I get a moment to myself—my skincare ritual.
Not a routine—a ritual. Not only does it allow me to slow down, it makes me feel like I am taking care of myself (which we just don’t do enough).
I take my laptop into the bathroom with me and play some Sade classics. Among my favorites include “Skin,” “Keep Looking,” and “Flow.”
As a real estate agent, it is very important that my clients know I care about what I look like and that this will permeate into the sale or purchase of their home. I want my clients to know that I take my self seriously, that I care about aesthetics, and that I do my research.
All of this manifests itself into my skincare ritual.
Over the years I have experimented with an extensive array of skincare products (from the most expensive to the most “granola”), and I think I have finally nailed it.
Hydrate
My current favorite product is Dr. Barbara Sturm’s Super Anti-Aging Serum. It feels like I am dipping my face into a recevoir of hydration.
Arcona on the other hand, I have been a devoted fan of for over a decade. The brand is known for cold-pressing their products (so that its powerfu ingredients aren’t destroyed by heat), and small batches (to keep them fresh and assure the potency of active ingredients).
My favorite product in the line is their Raspberry Clarifying Pads. These babies wil not only keep you skin clear of any breakouts, they are pure magic when it comes to clearing any dark spots.
Now if only they could get rid of the anxiety…
May you be well nolies,
-nol