Self-Care is as Simple as 1, 2, 3...4.

With classes, socializing, work, and various other commitments, it can be hard to take time out for yourself. With that in mind here are four easy ways to treat yourself:

1.     Facial

With the brutal winters of New York, it is important to take care of your skin. A yogurt and honey facial is a simple face mask you can make with the ingredients in your kitchen. The yogurt helps remove uneven pigmentation and deeply cleanses the skin, while the honey gives the mask a hydrating touch. All you need for this facial is two teaspoons of honey and two teaspoons of yogurt. Put the ingredients in a bowl and apply evenly to your face. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes before rinsing.

“I love this mask because it leaves my skin soft and it feels like it absorbs all the unnecessary oils and dirt out of my face,” says natural face mask enthusiast Raeyona Ford.

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2.     Meditation

Meditation is a great way to decompress from the day. Some benefits include: stress reduction, anxiety control, enhanced self-awareness, increased attention span, and better sleep. The best part about mediation is you can do it basically anywhere at any time. Simply find a comfortable spot, sit still, and control your breaths.

“I am a sole believer in meditation because it allows me to be aware of my thoughts, feelings, and emotions, while allowing time for myself out of my constant busy schedule,” says student athlete Natalia Toby.

The Mindfulness and Calm apps are useful tools to help get you started. They are available on both Android and iPhone. Before you ask, yes, they’re free.

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3.     Music

Music is a great way to release stress and unwind after a long day. Here’s a playlist that has 175 relaxing pop songs. Listen to these songs anywhere: during your commute, while studying, walking the city, or even while meditating.

“When I’m relaxing I’ll just lay in bed and listen to music. I love making playlists for different moods and I love finding new bands to listen to,” says Olivia Bronson, Web Director at The Lexington Line. “My favorite playlist right now is my spring one, it’s basically my lifeline at the moment.”

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4.     Relaxing Stretches

A good stretch can go a long way. Stretching helps with flexibility, stress relief, and sore muscles. Here is a video that provides a step-by-step stretch routine for your free time.

“I think stretching is a great addition to anyone’s daily routine. I make sure to factor it into my day because it allows me to set my thoughts aside and focus on my body,” says yoga advocate Jordanne Nelson.

Photos by Google Images

Photos by Google Images

Namaste!