Before writing this I had a chat with a friend about when we heard about the first Lockdown how naively we all assumed within a fortnight things would be ‘back to normal’. Several weeks on this is the new ‘normal’ and life is very different for the foreseeable. I’ve come into a different realm and look back on those first few weeks where I padded about in my leggings and hoodie finding the pause in reality as sort of novel.

I’ve struggled with sleepless nights, a racing mind, wanting to comfort eat, feeling lonely and very powerless but now I feel much stronger as a result of coming through. I find how I start my day has a huge knock on effect to the energy that I take into it and feeling like I’ve some control over that first hour has been really empowering. These are a few simple habits I stick to at the moment:

Start my day with hydration

First thing in the morning I always have a pint of warm water with either a dash or Apple Cider Vinegar or half a squeezed lemon. I drink this using a metal straw to protect my teeth. As a rich source of vitamin C, lemon juice protects the body from Immune system deficiencies. Drinking lemon juice with warm water every morning helps in maintaining the pH balance of the body and ensures I am staying hydrated as possible.

Keep my sugar levels balanced

I spoke about a detox I did in my last post and since then I have made huge effort to eliminate processed foods and sugars from my diet entirely. I’ve replaced all my dairy free yogurts with plain versions, gone to 100% chocolate and unsweetened dairy free milks and only have fruit in the mornings. I avoid sweetened cereals and have lots of shredded coconut, tahini, nut butters and use cacao nibs if I want a bitter chocolate taste. I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin since eliminating sugar

Holly White, Quarantine morning routine, Codex Beauty, wellness, healthy routines, Vegan Blogger,

Feed Your Healthy Microbiome, inside and out

What I put on my skin matters as much as what I put in my body. I take a 360* approach and when I eat sweet or processed foods or enjoy one too many glasses of wine it shows in my face so I juice a lot and eat a low sugar vegan diet and keep treats for occasions and focus on live foods and good natural skincare. A mix of “good” microbes is essential for keeping the “bad” microbes away, so our bodies stay balanced. The microbiome is often destroyed by a number of factors, such as antibiotics, poor diet, and skincare products that strip the surface of the dermis, eliminating the healthy bacteria necessary to maintain clear, healthy skin. Until now, there was no way for consumers to know which products would negatively impact the microbiome. MyMicrobiome Standards can now provide this information, with a testing methodology that examines how products directly influence organisms of the skin microbiome.

Codex Beauty’s Bia collection received Microbiome-friendly certification for all six products in the line, including the Bia Day Cream, Bia Skin Superfood, Bia Eye Gel Cream, Bia Facial Oil, Bia Exfoliating Wash and Bia Wash Off Cleansing Oil. With roots in Irish herbal science, Bia products pay tribute to Ireland’s local herbalists and their expert knowledge of therapeutic plants and is designed to hydrate and nourish skin with high quality—and extremely safe—proven ingredients that deliver quantifiable results. Codex Beauty utilises a patent-pending, food-grade preservative system to support microbiome diversity and skin barrier integrity, as well as airless containers made from sugarcane wherever possible to further maximise product safety and shelf life. Massaging in the Codex Facial Oil is a part of my daily morning routine and my skin feels nourished, healthy and clear as a result.

Journal, Check my schedule for the day and write out a goals list

I write everything I want to do down, whether it’s a walk, a catch up with a friend or a work deadline. The simple joy of ticking off things on a list is really satisfying but it also keeps me focused. I’m used to not having colleagues around but I find in general my energy is lower so I’ve to work to stay focused otherwise the day ticks over and the work piles up.

I mentioned on my Instagram stories that my productivity felt slow and in a poll 90% of you agreed with me and with that in mind I have to create prioritised lists.

Savour my morning coffee and actually take a break

With no one around to suggest a quick walk or coffee run hours can go by sitting at my desk. Sometimes I power through but long-term this has a really bad effect and leads to poor sleep, and just generally getting ratty. I try to either take a walk outside or even just stand up from my laptop. If I have time I might do a few facial acupressure points using a little of the Codex Facial Oil or a round of EFT (Learn more here)

Otherwise I shared on my Instagram that I am making sure I do 20 minutes of an exercise class online at least 6 days a week. This works much better for me rather than aiming to do a full hour. My concentration span isn’t as strong and the hour seems overwhelming however breaking it down into bitesize chunks of 20 minutes works well and never feels intimidating.

I really hope some of these simple tips are helpful. Consistency is the mother of all skill and whilst none of the above are groundbreaking they’re realistic and the cumulative effect on my wellbeing as we all navigate unusual times has been so beneficial.

Sending you all lots of love,

x

Codex Beauty is an innovative bio-science skincare company, focused on providing functional, clinically-proven skincare that leverage a patent-pending food-grade preservation system for microbiome support, and airless plant-based packaging for sustainability.

To shop and learn more see www.codexbeauty.com