Time to prioritise your self-care.
BY JEN ATKIN 2 MARCH 2021
After 12 months of on-off lock downs and non-stop social distancing, the end is (hopefully) in sight. We can almost taste the promised freedom of summer months ahead – the beer gardens, the warmth of the sun, the happiness and hugs. All we have to do, is get through the next 16 weeks of restrictions. To help you along the way, we’ve called upon resident GLAMOUR columnist Jen Atkin,who, alongside running her global beauty brand, OUAI, and styling the hair of every member of the Kardashian clan as well as many other A-listers, also happens to be a total self-care guru.
Here, she tells GLAMOUR all about her tried-and-tested tips for self care that will get you through lock down.
ROUTINE IS KEY
Creating structure and routine has been a huge help over the past year. I start every morning with a cup of tea, write in my Five-Minute Journal and practice meditation (I find the Hoffman Process guided meditations really helpful). I love my Five Minute Journal – I’ve made a habit of using it daily and it’s a quick way to start the day with gratitude.
BALANCE YOUR ENERGY
I was a workaholic for years, and it really started catching up with me, mentally and physically. I knew I needed to listen to my body and find more balance, so in 2018 I decided to stop drinking and in 2019 I spent a week at the Hoffman Institute doing a digital detox. The process gave me a renewed sense of clarity and helped me reset and reprioritise my emotional and physical health.
GIVE YOURSELF DOWNTIME
Hustle porn is real and it’s easy to get caught up in it and feel guilty for not working all the time. Be aware of the amount of time you spend on social media, and put your phone away when you need a break.
SKINCARE IS SELFCARE
Skincare is an important part of my self-care routine. I always, always remove my makeup before bed with Charlotte Tilbury’s Take It All Off, followed by a light exfoliator and moisturiser. I’ll also use skincare throughout the day, like Mario Badescu Facial Spray with Aloe and Rose Water, which is so refreshing to mist and is great for a midday boost. I’m also a huge fan of hydrating face masks and I love the Frank Body Glow Mask or any Summer Fridays masks. I always wear perfume, even during lockdown, because the right fragrance can totally improve my mood. At the moment I’m wearing OUAI Melrose Place Eau De Parfum all the time.
GET ENOUGH SLEEP
Getting enough sleep was a big goal of mine last year, so I try to get to sleep early and at the same time every night. We’re in bed, without phones, and asleep by 10:30 p.m.
RELATABLE READING
I devoured Life Will Be the Death of Me by Chelsea Handler and related to a lot of what she said. My favourite quote from it is, “Whenever I have trouble standing up for myself, I think about whether I’d tolerate the situation if it were happening to one of my sisters, mother, daughter, or niece. If it’s not acceptable for them, it’s not acceptable for me.”