Jen Batchelor writes self-care into her calendar
In the ultimate quest for inner beauty and outer radiance, Marie Claire asked some of her favorite trailblazers to share their secrets for finding balance in their busy lives. Published in Beauty Inside & Out.
Entrepreneur and new mom Jen Batchelor (opens in new tab) has found that if she doesn't schedule what she calls "self-care," it doesn't happen. Rather than trying to muster up the willpower to do this every day, "I simply focus on integrating it," says the 36-year-old co-founder of Kin Euphorics (opens in new tab), a hot alcohol-free beverage brand. These small daily tasks of wellness moments come in all forms, from listening to guided meditations and Liminal Beats (opens in new tab) while breastfeeding, to chanting kirtan in the shower, to doodling during conference calls. Ahead, here are some of her current favorite mood-boosting and spring detox recipes.
Thorne Research Vitamins (opens in new tab): Vitamins D3 and C are essential, especially during the change of seasons. We do not get enough sunlight on a daily basis, which is critical for our immune system. Vitamin C is especially helpful for skin repair. Anything from the Thorne brand is good.
By Rosie Jane perfume (opens in new tab): My new favorite fragrance is from By Rosie Jane. It is clean and non-irritating. It was the only fragrance I could wear during my pregnancy without getting nauseous. I mix Layla Lou and Lake.
Tongue Scraper (opens in new tab): I can't go anywhere or start my day without a tongue scraper. It is an important part of my morning routine, inspired by the Ayurvedic practice of balancing a healthy digestive flora and clearing out undesirable anaerobic bacteria that develop after detoxing while sleeping at night. It does wonders for digestion.
Brain activation: For me, taking care of my brain is what makes me feel most beautiful. Recently, I have been taking turmeric supplements, LifeSpa's Brahmi (opens in new tab) and Bacopa (opens in new tab) [supplements], Elysium's Matter (opens in new tab) [pills], [drink] Kin (opens in new tab)! Hydration and Sleep Practicing good hydration and sleep hygiene is the key to maintaining balance. There is no better restorative and nourishing tool for the mind, skin, and body. After a good massage of the face and chin with oil, steam the day away and cool the eyes with a little light moisturizer. Just before going to bed, massage the feet with aromatic oil before placing the head on the pillow.
Essential oils: Depending on the season, choose essential oils and mix them into an oil-based moisturizer/carrier such as ghee or coconut oil. In the spring, add a little orange to jaramanti (opens in a new tub) and lotus flower to brighten it up. I use this all over my body, but I especially like it on my face, neck, and stomach.
Dr. Goldfaden's Doctor's Scrub (opens in new tab): I love this scrub on my face and neck after oiling and steaming. I use it three times a week to de-gloss my winter skin and to lighten the liver spots I had during pregnancy. I lock in the goodness with this oil from Miranda Kerr's Kola Organics Noni Oil. (opens in new tab)
Hatch Strength & Shine Hair Oil (opens in new tab): I use this oil on the ends of my hair. When I have time, I put the oil on my scalp and do a head massage while showering. If I feel like it's too heavy or greasy, I add a little vinegar to refresh it.
1. Fill a chilled glass with ice and pour in Kin Euphorics Dreamlight (open in new tab). Add birch extract and ginger beer to taste.
2. garnish with lavender bitters. Because of the carbonation, adding ice is perfect. Drink slowly.
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