Tag: self-care

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Featured Fitness Health

Learning to Love your Body: 3 Simple Ways to Silence Your Inner Critic

Inner Critic
Olivia, a DOGPOUND LA trainer

by Olivia Poling, a personal trainer at The DOGPOUND‘s Los Angeles location

Photo Credit Bryan Espino

Ladies, tell me if this sounds familiar: you walk into your favorite department store wallet in-hand, ready to buy the PERFECT pair of jeans. You confidently stride over to the rack and sift through the piles until you find “your” size. Then it’s off to the dressing room – you know, that weird-smelling, slightly-disgusting little box with bad lighting – but no matter, with all the optimism in the universe you step into that “perfect pair” of jeans, pull them up, and start to button them.

But wait a minute… something’s not right…
“Are these tighter than last time?” 
Your heart begins to race. Panic sets in. 
“Oh my god. No, no, no… somethings wrong.  These have to fit.” 

But alas…after zipping and buttoning them closed it’s clear that on this day, at this moment, these “perfect” jeans are far from perfect…and a healthy dose of that confident optimism you had just a moment ago disappears in the blink of an eye.

But even worse… now you have to make the walk of shame.  You have to walk back out onto the floor and find the next number that accusingly reminds you of how “not perfect” you are. 

All the while your inner critic tosses out snarky little barbs from the sidelines of your mind. 
“How could I let this happen?” 
“What’s wrong with me? Am I’m not beautiful anymore?” 

This inner critic we all have living inside of us is an insidious monster that constantly nitpicks everything we do. 

UGH! No wonder this drives us half nuts. 

And this isn’t an isolated case either, according to dosomething.org approximately 91% of women report being unhappy with their bodies. 91%!

This problem is epidemic, but how do we inspire body positivity alongside a healthy lifestyle. 

Here are 3 small ways you can begin to silence your inner critic and learn to love YOUR body.

Inner Critic

1. Understand your body is part of who you are, it’s not ALL of who you are.

Your body is part of you, but it doesn’t define who you are. Don’t lose sight of the fact that our lives are rich and dynamic with a multitude of passions, relationships, talents, likes, dislikes, and values. 

Focusing on your whole self–not just listening to your inner critic tear you down–will help build your confidence, and confidence is always in style and it’s always sexy. No matter what you’re wearing or your size.

2. It’s OK to want to make changes, just make them for the right reasons.

On any journey in life, fitness, health, or learning a new skill, everyone travels at their own pace.  No one is better than you, some people are just further down the line on the journey. That doesn’t mean that you won’t get there someday.  So, stop comparing yourself to people who have been at this for a long time.  

Focus on YOUR journey.  Start with small steps and take a minute to reward yourself for each successive milestone – maybe start by adding more veggies to your diet, exercise a little harder or a few more times per week, drink more water, get more high-quality rest.  

Trust me: small, consistent changes pile up quickly and, over time, you’ll achieve (and even smash through) your wildest expectations.  

This won’t just help you physically–your mental health will thank you for this more rational approach as well.

3. Embrace the journey, while learning to love who you are.

Despite what our modern society tries to convince you of nothing ever happens overnight, the best things in life are worth the time and the effort you put in.  So, learn to enjoy the process. Be kind to your body and your mind. It not only will make you stronger on the outside but on the inside as well.

I promise you, if you’re consistent and remind yourself of these 3 simple things every day, you’ll notice changes in your body as well as your attitude towards yourself in all aspects of your life. 

And, it might just be enough to silence your inner critic once and for all.

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Categories
Beauty Living Wellness

SAFE HAVEN

By Kaitlin Clark

HAVEN SPA may have the bustling New York City skyline as its backdrop, but inside, it’s the ultimate tranquil escape. High ceilings, exposed brick walls and large windows recall SoHo’s industrial loft roots, but the candlelit hues, soft hum of instrumental music, and stone finishes create a welcoming escape, far from the over-the-top pretension common with lush day spas.

“Maintaining a vibe of a friendly neighborhood place is an important part of our original vision,” says co-founder Gabrielle Ophals. “People would tell us, ‘I love coming here because I feel like I’m hanging out in my friend’s living room.’ We really identify with the ‘local place’ persona.”

And creating a friendly, welcoming vibe is exactly what Ophals and her co-founder Audra Senkus did. Thoughtful pampering touches like robes, slippers, a relaxation room, and rose petals in pedicure basins offer guests an experience, rather than a one-and-done treatment.

“Our newest massage, the Harmony, is an entirely new concept, and we think it transcends the normal massage treatment,” says Ophals. “In fact, we hesitate to call it a massage; it’s an experience.” Incorporating ancient Ayurvedic massage techniques, aromatherapy and sound therapy with tuning forks, the treatment restores the body’s electromagnetic field and balances the heart chakra, marmas, and vital meridian points. Haven’s two new facials, Timeless and All Clear, “focus on the effects of aging and acne, respectively, and we use Eminence products exclusively in these treatments,” notes Ophals, of the natural, organic skincare line. “We will be introducing a new pedicure designed for people who are on their feet a lot, particularly athletic clients, called the Player Pedicure, which uses a unique massage technique with T-Spheres, which work on pressure points,” says Ophals.

The full-service salon offers a range of treatments and therapies, from solution-oriented facials and detoxifying and nourishing body wraps and massages, to more traditional salon services, including hair and hand care and waxing.

“Our most popular treatment this time of year are the ones that include a wrap phase, or what I like to refer to as the ‘marination phase,’” says Ophals. “Our Surf & Turf is a luxurious journey of exfoliation, a mud wrap and moisturizing. The Hammam and Island Wrapture are also popular.”

The spa boasts curated MEs—Mini Escapes— with a busy New Yorker in mind. These express treatments provide a spa experience in a quarter of the time. Guests can also go all in on one of their six packages that offer a full day of indulgence.

“Someone criticized us as ‘just two girls from Queens who own a nail salon,’ and I have to say, I kind of love that!” says Ophals. “We are, in a way, just that. We are native New Yorkers who love the city, our neighborhood, and our clients.” DT

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Culture Living

Father’s Day Gift Guide 2019

Summer is just about to be in full bloom and everyone is going to want to spend their days taking a short vacation and taking the time to enjoy themselves and practice forms of self-care. And with the new season approaching, a special holiday also creeps up around the corner that honors the significant father figures in our lives. Whether you celebrate Father’s Day with your dad, uncle, grandpa, or even an older brother, it doesn’t hurt to show your loved one how much they’re appreciated with a gift, whether it’d be big or small. This year if you’re stuck on what to buy and want to lead your father figure on the path of self-care, we’ve curated a gift guide with ideas to help steer you in the right direction.

  1. KELLER WORKS – Beard Oil Set

Does your have a father rock out a goatee or a full-grown beard? Is he always maintaining his beard and making it stand out amongst the others in the crowd? If you answered yes to either of these questions, you may want to give him Keller Work’s beard oil set that helps soften the facial hair and moisturize the skin, full of anti-aging oils like grapeseed, jojoba, argan, and rosehip. A little touch up can go a long way.

  1. RITUALS – The Ritual of Hammam: Purifying Ritual

It’s the little things in life that matter, right? Small activities like the processing of taking a shower and cleansing your body are just the easiest ways to relax your body and prepare yourself for the day or for bed. So why not help your father feel the same way with RITUAL’s Ritual of Hammam: Purifying Ritual gift set, which includes a foaming shower gel, body scrub, body cream, and even some hand wash. All ingredients are enriched with rosemary and eucalyptus, so you know he’ll be feeling a bit luxurious.

  1. Gelato Pique – Organic Knotted Cotton Shirt   Organic Knotted Cotton Pants | Block Striped Room Shoes

It can get difficult trying to shop for your father year after year because after a while you just run out of ideas to get him. One notorious gift idea is to get your father some clothes, whether it’d be sports gear or dress-up shirts for work, but have you ever stopped to consider getting him a comfortable pajama set just in time for bed? Gelato Pique is all on board with this plan on having your father be comfortable and collective for bed, having curate  a soft cotton pajama set including an organic knotted cotton shirt and pants, and cozy slippers that’ll never make your dad want to leave the house.

  1. SLEEPLETICS – Celliant Performance Sheet Set

After a long day at work or spending the night with the guys, your father is going to want to knockout and catch a good nights rest before the next day. One way you can ensure he’s getting all the attention he needs to feel at ease, why not change his sheets and throw on some performance sheet set offered at Sleepletics. It’s all about taking care yourself with the most minor adjustments.

  1. Haven Spa – http://www.havenspa.nyc/massage

Is your father in need to relieve any stress or pressure within his muscles from working on the job or simply navigating everyday life? If so, why not cater to those needs and have him take a trip to Haven Spa and participate in their variety of men’s treatment and spa packages. These packages range groom facials to clean, detoxify and perfect the skin, to intense therapeutic messages that focus on the upper body – back, shoulders, neck, chest, head, and arms. Have your father stepping out of his massage and feeling like a new person.

  1. Clase Azul – Tequila

Does your father like to have a drink every now and then? Is he a tequila man by any means? He might be in luck if he gets his hands on any tequila made by Clase Azul. This brand makes sure each bottle is hand sculpted and individually painted by hand from over 100 artisans in the small town of Santa Maria Canchesda in Mexico. And if you’re not in favor of the flavor, you can always use the bottle as a unique addition to your home decor.

  1. Runamok Maple’s “Smoke + Barrels” Collection

Treat your father to his ideal breakfast accompanied by some of Runamok Maple’s “Smoke + Barrels” Collection. These four flavors of barrel-aged and smoked maple syrup are the perfect complement for any breakfast item and will last your father for many mornings to come while allowing him some variety in his daily flavor routine. The collection includes: 60ml bottles of Smoked with Pecan Wood Organic Maple Syrup, Rum Barrel-Aged Organic Maple Syrup, Bourbon Barrel-Aged Organic Maple Syrup and Whiskey Barrel-Aged Organic Maple Syrup.

  1. Treffort – Luxury Mens Dress Shirts

And if all else fails and you don’t see your father taking advantage of any of the gift ideas listed above, go back to the old faithful and purchase him some dress-up shirts. One brand that might be worth keeping an eye out for is Treffort, as they offer premium Egyptian and Turkish cotton shirts to fit perfectly and comfortably for any father on the go.

Above all, make sure to spend time with your father on Father’s Day and remind him how much he’s appreciated through words. That’s the most treasured gift of them all.

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Featured Fitness Health Nutrition Wellness

A Healthy You, All Year Round

New Year’s has passed, and we are now full-swing into 2019. Maybe you made some resolutions, maybe you didn’t, or maybe you’re already off track. Regardless of your status, here are some tips for even the most noncommittal among us to become healthy this new year.

Drink your greens

Starting the morning off with a green juice gets your body powered up for the day and packs in those fruit and vegetable servings before you get going. Juicing your produce makes it easier to digest those sometimes hard to handle veggies but keeps the vitamins, minerals, and phytonutrients intact. Phytonutrients are chemicals found in fruits and vegetables and are especially important because they help prevent disease and keep your body functioning properly. The body easily digests the juice and absorbs a larger amount of nutrients, making juices a great way to strengthen the immune system, detox the body, and help fight chronic disease and inflammation. Investing in a juicer is an effective cost strategy and a great way to start experimenting with different juices. Add lemon and ginger to your favorite greens for some kick or use green apple or pineapple for some sweetness!

Forget the diets

If 2018 was the year of the high fiber and ketogenic diets, then 2019 should be the year of no diets. Diets do not work. (Yup, you read that right.) Making a shift toward mindful and intuitive eating is the best way to create healthy and lasting eating habits. Mindfulness, which is a form of meditation, helps combat anxiety and stress. Merging this philosophy with food allows for understanding and control over eating habits while reducing emotional eating patterns. So, if your goal is weight loss, cut down portion sizes instead of cutting out food groups, eat slowly, and pay attention to when you are satisfied – not stuffed. Sounds easy, right? While the concept is simple, new habits take time to form. Make sure your meals are balanced with lean proteins, non-starchy carbs, and good fats along with a ton of veggies. Eat slowly with no distractions, especially television. The most important thing to learn is to distinguish between hunger and the urge to use food to regulate feelings.

Be aware of the food combinations you make

Food combining is an ancient tradition with roots in Ayurvedic practices. The general idea is that eating certain foods or food groups together can wreak havoc on your digestive system since foods have different pH levels, and therefore require specific digestive enzymes that work at certain pH levels. For example, in this theory proteins and starches should not be eaten together. Protein digestion requires pepsin, a digestive enzyme that functions in an acidic environment, while carbohydrates require amylase, which needs an alkaline environment to do its job. General rules include not mixing starches with protein or acidic foods (including meat, eggs, dairy, grains, fish, and poultry), eating both fruit and dairy products alone on an empty stomach, and not combining different types of proteins together. Having a healthy gut is key and if the pH balance of the stomach is off, you may notice symptoms like fatigue, skin problems, bloating and indigestion. If you experience any of these issues, it might be worth looking into food combining.

Make an effort to move

For some people, having a strict workout regime is key. For others, setting a goal of working out every day at a specific time can backfire and promote a negative cycle to thinking. Let’s say you decide you’re going to make that 6:30AM workout every morning during the week, but life happens, and sometimes that workout doesn’t. Thinking you have “failed” your goal for the day can set you back. Instead, make a promise to yourself to move almost every day – whether it’s 20 minutes or 2 hours – without the pressure of making a specific workout at a specific time. That way, you will find time to fit it in where it works rather than shaping your day around your workout.

Carve out time for yourself

There is nothing more important than giving yourself a little love. When you put this last, you not only do a disservice to yourself, but to everyone else around you, even your loved ones. No matter who you are and what you do, having time to yourself each day will allow you to be a better, stronger version of yourself. Whether this means taking the hour at lunch to exercise, skipping the morning workout to get your 8 hours of sleep, or meditating every day, “me time” is a necessity. Taking up a new hobby or returning to an old one is another great way to get some “me time” in.

Let us know how your resolutions are going and if you’ll be following of any of these tips!

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Featured

Spoil Yourself Or Your Loved One For Valentine’s Day At TriBeCa Beauty Spa

Hidden out of plain sight on Harrison Street near Pier 25 lies the perfect kept TriBeCa secret; TriBeCa Beauty Spa.

It’s just private enough that it’s not overrun with tourists, rather it has a long list of regulars. And in NYC, you know that any spot with a long list of regulars is a sign of a quality place.

The spa’s main focus is to be a neighborhood spa. Clients can both come for treatments such as mani-pedis and massages, but they also offer up services that go beyond this. With a special event space, clients can use the spa to pamper oneself and those around while celebrating big life moments such as engagements, promotions, pregnancies, and more.

And what better way to celebrate love itself than with some pampering? Valentine’s Day is vast approaching, and we’ll take any excuse to celebrate love and give our bodies some extra attention. Because love needs to be valued and celebrated, and you do too. It’s so easy to get wrapped up in our everyday lives, especially in this city. Any excuse to slow down and take some time to focus on yourself and those around you that are truly important is so important.

Why not celebrate this day of love by treating yourself or your loved ones to some love and care?

“Valentine’s Day is all about LOVE, and what better way to share love than to do something caring and pampering for yourself or someone special?” says TriBeCa Beauty Spa’s founder, Nadia Dekhkanova.

“The reason why spa services feel pampering is because there is this time that’s carved out just for you. During this time, the attention is focused on you and the intent is to make you feel good,” she adds.

And I think we can all agree that giving yourself some attention is important. As is giving your significant other, if you have one, some attention too.

A spa treatment is the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for both couples and singles. Everyone deserves to treat themselves and to be treated with affection.

“There is no greater love you can show yourself than self-care,” states Dekhkanova.

She suggests massage as a great Valentine’s gift to yourself, or a spa pedicure with foot reflexology to release tension and assist your body to heal itself.

As for booking a treatment for your significant other, this can be a little tricky. It often depends on who they are and what they like.

“If it’s someone who takes pride in their appearance and stresses the importance in taking care of themselves, a facial is fantastic,” suggests Dekhova and adds, “massage is always our biggest seller during this holiday, you just can’t go wrong with a massage.”

And TriBeCa Beauty Spa has some truly amazing massages — and masseuses. Everyone knows exactly what they’re doing, so there’s nothing to be worried about even if you are a first-time spa-goer. For someone who’s only recently started going, I can’t stress the importance of making yourself and your body a priority enough, and choosing the right place to do so.

TriBeCa Beauty Spa carries three specials for Valentine’s Day — all of which can be enjoyed alone or together.

Be Golden consists of a 1-hour Swedish massage with relaxing Ylan-Ylang and Tangerine essential oils. The message includes rejuvenating with their Gold-infused collagen eye treatment and ends with a 45 minutes hot oil pedicure.

Warm Touch is a 75-minute Swedish massage with a hot stone or how towel combination. Perfect to warm your body inside out.

All the Love will treat your skin from head-to-toe. The treatment starts with their classic corrective-refining facials and ends with their signature New York Therapeutic massage — just the thing for worn-down busy bee New Yorkers!

The spa has a long list of treatments, everything from skincare to waxing and tinting. You can find more about the spa, how to book your treatment and prices on their website.

Happy (soon) Valentine’s Day!

Photos: Courtesy of TriBeCa Beauty Spa