Wellbeing Journal
A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO MEDITATION
Are you interested in meditation but don’t know where to begin? You may have heard people waxing lyrical about the practice and want to explore it for yourself, or maybe you’re intrigued to know what all the fuss is about. It can be difficult to get your head around when you first start out though – should I be thinking? What is it supposed to feel like? And how do you know if you are, in fact, meditating? The trick is to not overthink it but take it day by day and find what works for you. WHAT IS MEDITATION?Meditation is the practice of training your mind to focus and redirect your thoughts. It won’t stop the mind from thinking entirely but its purpose is to allow thoughts to come and go and teach you to observe thoughts without judgement or bias. It’s an age-old practice used to increase awareness, reduce stress and promote a positive outlook on life.BENEFITS OF MEDITATIONMeditation isn’t just a new-age fad. Countless studies have shown that meditation can help to reduce stress, improve emotional health, enhance self-awareness (understanding yourself better, enabling you to become the best version of yourself), help us to focus for longer and improve sleep. HOW TO MEDITATE1. Have a clear intention. If you don’t know why you’re meditating it will be hard to focus. Do you want to feel happier, calmer, more focused, less stressed? Setting an intention will help create the right attitude before you start.2. Find a comfortable seated position. This helps us to feel grounded and not get distracted by movement or feelings of discomfort. Try sitting cross-legged on the floor or on a chair with feet firmly on the floor, hands in lap.3. Keep your back straight. A lot of us tend to slump when we sit but keeping your spine straight and engaged can help us focus and stay aware. Try rolling your shoulders back before you begin.4. Close your eyes and focus on your breath. Closing your eyes will help you to stop from being distracted by other objects in the room and by focusing on your breath coming in and out, our minds have something other than our thoughts to concentrate on.5. Start small. It’s not often that we sit still with nothing distracting us, so meditating can be hard when you first begin. Start with a five or 10-minute meditation and gradually build up to 15, 20 minutes or longer.6. Try a guided meditation. If you’re struggling to meditate on your own, try a meditation app like Headspace or Calm that will guide you through the process.Another way to help with meditation is to create a calming environment. Try diffusing our Tranquil Blend Essential Oil before you begin, to calm the mind and body and shop our full range of aromatherapy here.
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WHERE HEALTHY SKIN MEETS A HAPPY MIND WITH JULIA BUSUTTIL NISHIMURA
As pioneers in wellbeing, at Jurlique we’ve always believed that the healing and uplifting powers of Nature have a great part to play. The self-care phenomenon is more than a trend and here to stay so there’s never been a better time to get to know yourself and body more. For cookbook author & food writer, Julia Busuttil Nishimura, our Softening Shower Gel Rose and Softening Body Lotion Rose is her go-to for a botanicals rich, replenishing ritual that nourishes the body and mind. Being a busy mother of two, finding a few mindful moments in the day for herself is a necessity. We had a chat with Julia and spoke about how she cultivates small rituals throughout her busy day to keep her rejuvenated and relaxed. What does your body skin care ritual consist of? I have a very simple skincare routine. Usually, shower gel in the shower and I exfoliate once or twice a week, then moisturiser every day. It’s not much but it feels nice to do those things for myself. I make sure I shut the bathroom door so I can have some time to myself undisturbed, that feels really important to me. What's your connection between body skin care and self-care? I don’t have many minutes to myself in a day, with a newborn and a pre-schooler, often taking care of myself is the last thing I have time to do. However, just carving out a little time in the day to attend to my own needs is really important. When my skin feels good, I feel really comfortable and confident and happy that I’ve invested a little time for myself. Do you have a body skin care step that you swear by? Once a month I try and set aside an extended time for myself to create my own “spa day”. I light candles, diffuse some essential oils, listen to music, put on a face mask and take a bath. While it’s important for me to keep up my daily skin care, this monthly ritual is so rejuvenating and restorative and really tops me up. It’s something that I make sure I do regularly. Do you have any body skin care tips for new mums? We spend so much time in bed in the early days. Whether trying to feed or sleep it feels like our bed is our second home. I like to keep my body skin care products on my bedside table for easy access and a strong reminder to use them. Try and set aside time for yourself, even just a few minutes a day will feel wonderful. How do you fit in Jurlique Body Care products into your body skin care ritual? I only use shower gels and moisturisers that don’t contain any harsh chemicals as I find they strip my skin from their natural oils. That’s why I love using Jurlique products. I especially love the scent which feels very luxurious and calming in the shower. Shop Julia’s cookbook Ostro on her website Unearth a natural remedy for every body. Our aromatic selection of Shower Gels and Body Lotions are enriched with the restorative powers of Nature.
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THE BENEFITS OF AROMATHERAPY
Aromatherapy has been at the heart of Jurlique from the very beginning. Since 1985, our founders Ulrike and Jurgen Klein sought to unlock the healing and transformative powers of Nature to cultivate radiant, healthy looking skin by “understanding the importance of the soul of the plant which is essential oil”, and we’ve been keeping that commitment to purity 35 years on. What is aromatherapy? Simply put, aromatherapy is the therapeutic and healing use of natural aromatic substances such as herbs, spices, plants and essential oils to strengthen one’s physical and psychological wellbeing or in other words, mind, body and soul. Dating back as far as 5000 years ago, we can find the use of aromatics in ancient Ayurveda medicinal practices, ancient Egyptian skin care rituals and ancient Roman celebrations and ceremonies. While aromatics have been used for medicinal purpose for thousands of years, it was only until the late 1920s when the term ‘aromatherapy’ was coined by French chemist, René-Maurice Gattefossé. He had accidentally burnt his hand and as a reaction doused his hand into a nearby vat of Lavender oil – the burn healed quickly and left no scar, compelling him to study aromatics. Benefits of Aromatherapy for Mind Although inhalation of essential oils isn’t the only way to use aromatherapy, it is one of the most common forms, especially when comes to positively affecting the mind. Our ability to smell comes from specialised sensory cells that are directly connected to the brain. This is why certain smells trigger certain feelings. One smell might trigger a memory, another might trigger a feeling of calmness, one smell might even trigger hunger. So, when it comes to essential oils, they have the power to relax, energise and stimulate the mind through their scents/aroma. Lavender Essential Oil One of the most popular aromatherapy oils, Lavender, has a calming effect when used in aromatherapy. Its key benefits are to calm and relax the mind and senses. Add a few drops of Lavender Pure Essential Oil to a diffuser or vaporiser to soothe the mind and promote sleep. If you’re on the go, our Lavender Hydrating Mist will do the trick. A few spritzes and the calming scent will instantly soothe your mind. Lemon Essential Oil Lemon Oil has the power to re-energise and enliven the mind. Our Revitalising Blend Essential Oil features the pure natural essential oils of Lemon, Orange and Bergamot for a revitalising effect on the senses and promotes a sense of alertness. Adding it to your diffuser or oil burner will create a restorative environment for your mind. Pro tip: If you don’t have an oil burner, diffuser or vaporiser handy you can dot essential oils onto your pulse points or add to a warm bath of water to ease tension. But remember to never apply the essential oils to your skin directly. Due to their potency, it can cause significant skin irritation – instead dilute with a carrier like Jojoba Carrier Oil, then apply. Benefits of Aromatherapy for Skin Care In addition to the mood-boosting benefits of essential oils in aromatherapy, they’re also rich with natural antioxidants and antimicrobial properties that enhance and protect your skin. With their ability to soothe, hydrate, restore and improve radiance for an overall enhancement in skin wellness and glow - at Jurlique we make sure get every bit of into our skin care products. By using our exclusive Bio-Intrinsic™ process, we ensure the whole life of the plant is being used, to deliver an undiluted force of Nature to your skin. Rose Extract There are so many reasons why you should use rose-infused skin care products. Rose, known as the ‘Queen of Flowers’ and rightfully so, is packed with loads of skin-loving goodness. Its hydrating properties improve skin barrier function and help to retain essential moisture levels for smooth and radiant looking skin. You get the best of both with Rose as it is both beneficial for your skin and known to have a positive effect on your mood. A key part of any aromatherapy practice, the delicate scent of Rose defuses stress and calms. Start your day with our powerfully nourishing Softening Shower Gel Rose and Softening Body Lotion Rose to provide nurturing comfort, hydration and protection for your body. Peppermint Leaf Extract Peppermint is known for its refreshing aroma. Grown, harvested and extracted at our biodynamic* Jurlique Farm, pure Peppermint Leaf Extract helps soothe and protect the skin. Dotted in many of our products, the use of the extract in our Revitalising Cleansing Gel helps to restore and revitalise dull skin and improve uneven texture for younger-looking skin. Calendula Flower Extract Derived from the bright yellow and orange flowers of the Calendula flower, it has pronounced soothing properties and is used to rebalance sensitivity on the skin and throughout the body. Our Calendula Redness Rescue Soothing Moisturising Cream is sensitive skin’s best friend. Its rich texture hydrates, comforts and protects delicate skin. Combined with the key ingredient of Calendula Flower Extract, its antioxidants promise intense soothing properties. You’ll also find Calendula in almost all of our products, keeping your skin forever soothed and calm. Aromatherapy’s positive benefit on your overall wellbeing proves it’s something you want to keep in your self-care and skin care arsenal. Explore our Aromatherapy Oil range and learn more about the powerful ingredients we use in our products, grown on our biodynamic* Jurlique Farm in South Australia. *Certified biodynamic by the National Association for Sustainable Agriculture, Australia. Jurlique’s products and farm are not certified of affiliated with Demeter® USA or Demeter International.
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7 TIPS FOR CARING FOR YOUR SKIN WHILE WEARING A FACE MASK
It’s safe to say that our lives have changed a lot in 2020. The ongoing coronavirus pandemic has seen most people around the world endure lockdown measures, a new way of living and working from home. The way we interact with others has changed and day to day life has a very different lens – and face masks (no, not the skin care kind) are being worn on the regular, with medical experts stressing their importance to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. But with that can come negative effects for your skin, with some people experiencing problems such as breakouts – or ‘maskne’ - rashes and itchiness from wearing a mask. We spoke to our Education Manager Charlotte Lyon to get her top tips for looking after your skin while wearing a face mask.Why does wearing a face mask affect your skin?Firstly: why the new skin problems? Surely, we’ve all been through enough? According to dermatologist Dr. Adeline Kikam, friction from the mask rubbing can cause irritant contact dermatitis, and a build up of moisture from the air inside the mask can cause breakouts – not to mention the dirt and makeup that can get trapped underneath.How to prevent skin problems when wearing a face maskThe good news is, you can minimise those skin problems and keep your skin looking and feeling healthy while wearing a protective face mask. Here are our seven top tips:1. Avoid wearing makeupWearing makeup underneath your face mask is a bit like sleeping with your makeup on – it can clog the pores and cause those unwanted blemishes. Embrace natural and avoid wearing makeup where you can, opting instead for a hydrating skin care routine. If makeup is necessary, stick to the eye area only.2. Use a gentle cleanserCleansing is always important to get rid of any dirt, impurities and unblocked pores – which is more likely while wearing a mask. Cleanse your skin morning and night using a gentle cleanser that’s suitable for sensitive skin, such as our Replenishing Cleansing Lotion.3. Stay hydratedCharlotte tells us hydrated skin is important for preventing skin problems while wearing a mask. “Ensure to increase hydration levels of the skin using Activating Water Essence,” she says. “Our Hydrating Mists can be carried and used throughout the day, when able, to also help with dehydration.”4. Use a richer moisturiser“Dry skin is a common problem in winter and can be made worse by wearing a face mask,” says Charlotte. If you feel as though you’re not receiving enough nourishment from your regular moisturiser, switch to a richer formula, or add a couple of drops of face oil to your regular cream or lotion. For very dry skin, Moisture Replenishing Day Cream is a great option to provide a superior barrier to the skin.5. Reduce redness with soothing skin care productsSensitivity and redness can be a common side effect of wearing a mask, due to the mask rubbing on the skin. Try introducing soothing and calming products into your skin care ritual, such as those in our Calendula Redness Rescue range. Calendula Cream can be used topically for affected areas to help protect and comfort.6. Protect your lipsAs well as your skin, your lips can become dry and chapped when wearing a face mask regularly. Treat and protect the lip area by applying Lip Care Balm or Rose Love Balm throughout the day (using clean fingers!)7. Choose a face mask with natural fabricsNot all face masks are created equally. “Avoid synthetic fabrics, such as nylon, polyester and rayon,” says Charlotte. “These are more likely to irritate skin and cause breakouts.” Instead, choose a face mask that’s made from a natural and breathable fabric, such as cotton, and wash it with a fragrance-free, hypoallergenic laundry detergent.With a nourishing and hydrating skin care ritual, you should be able to minimise the problems that come with wearing a face mask. Keep your hands protected too, with a moisturising hand sanitiser and read our top tips for caring for your hands.
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WAYS TO REDUCE YOUR WATER USAGE
Water, an essential to human life. We’ve been hydrating ourselves, cleansing our bodies, watering our plants with it since the beginning of time. Despite its seeming abundance, water supply isn’t an infinite resource. If not managed properly, water shortage is something that may become the norm.The immediate effect of reducing water usage is saving money on water and energy bills. But, when we conserve water, we’re not only reaping individual benefits, the Earth will thank us for it too. Water conservation helps prevent greenhouse gas emissions produced by energy used to clean and distribute water, decreases wastewater treatments at sewerage plants and helps to maintain our water supplies during drought seasons.Water helps keep our bodies healthy and clean, nourishes fruits and vegetables and protects our ecosystem and wildlife. As our global population grows and the Earth becomes drier and warmer, committing to saving water is vital. At Jurlique, in line with our commitment to sustainability, we've reduced our water usage by 25% since 2015 by using rain and recycled water. Conserving water is one part of staying true to our mission, and we encourage you to make it a priority too.Ways to reduce water usageShorter showersYou would be surprised how much water we use daily. A typical shower uses approximately 19 litres per minute! Cutting down your showers from 10 to 5 five minutes will save about 95 litres a day. It’s easy to drift off to la-la land in the shower, so an easy way to stick to a shorter shower is by using a timer, that way you’ll stay focused and be in and out of the shower quicker. The recommended shower time is four minutes or less, so try and aim for that to reduce water usage at home.Flush toilets lessDid you know that the average person flushes the toilet about five times day? One flush of water can use up to 12 litres of water. By using the half flush button when appropriate to do so you can save about 18 litres a day. All the incremental choices really add up! Another way to reduce your toilet flushes is to stop using it to dispose of tissues – throw them in the bin instead.Turn the tap off in the bathroomReduce your water footprint by not leaving the water running when you’re brushing your teeth or cleansing your skin. A simple way to reduce the time you spend cleansing is by using a cleansing oil. By using a cleansing oil, you’ll end up using less water because instead of having to rinse your face with running water, all you need to do is wet a face towel once, use the back of the towel when the front is dirty and then pop into your laundry basket. Our Nourishing Cleansing Oil not only nourishes and cleanses the skin but it’s free of any chemicals or parabens that’ll flow down the drain into our water ways and have a negative impact on the environment.Wash a full loadIt actually takes as much energy and water to wash a full load as it does a half load, especially if you’re not using an appropriate amount of water. So, it’s best to wait until your basket is full before washing your dirty laundry. Can’t wait that long? Then make sure you’re not using excess water to wash your clothes. If your washing machine comes with an energy saving setting, use that as well as using cold water to save more energy. Also, opt for biodegradable laundry detergents to reduce the harmful effect on our waterways.Avoid rinsing before using the dishwasherResist the urge to rinse your utensils before popping them into the dishwasher. Instead, scrape your food scraps as best as you can into the bin (a compost bin would be even better). Much like the washing machine, try and only turn the dishwasher on when you have a full load and use an energy saving setting.Consume local seasonal produceBy eating local seasonal fruits and veggies, you’ll indirectly be helping to conserve water. About five barrels of water is used to create one barrel of petrol. If we all make a commitment to eat locally then that’s less outbound miles on farm trucks coming in from different states. Another way to reduce water usage through food is by cutting down on red meat and eating less water-intensive foods like chicken, chickpeas and lentils.To find out more about the sustainable practices on our Jurlique Farm, read our Sustainability Report.
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WAYS TO PRACTISE SELF-CARE OVER THE CHRISTMAS SEASON
They say it’s the most wonderful time of the year, but sometimes the thought of Christmas leaves us feeling overwhelmed rather than overjoyed. On top of the usual stressors the holiday season presents, this year there’s also a certain global pandemic to contend with. With everything that’s going on, it’s only natural that we might find ourselves in a state of unease.In these times, it is more essential than ever to prioritise self-care rituals. Whether you can carve out just 10 minutes, an hour, or an entire afternoon, the trick is to choose what resonates with you most and make it a habit. Read on to discover our top self-care ideas.JournalIf your mind is whirring, it can be helpful to put pen to paper. Offloading your thoughts into a journal is an effective way to find mental clarity. If you’re new to the practice of journaling, then try setting a positive intention for the day ahead by noting down three things you are grateful for each morning. See this as your very own simple self-care planner.Move mindfullyWhether you prefer walking, running, or cycling, it’s no secret that regular exercise can have a profoundly positive effect on maintaining healthy mental health habits. The fact is our bodies love to move and the benefits of doing so are endless. Expect to enjoy deeper sleep, increased energy levels and a brighter demeanour.Practice yogaYou don’t have to attend a studio to experience the benefits of yoga. Instead, seek out an online class or simply practice a few simple postures from the comfort of your own home. Focusing on the breath is an essential part of any yoga practice and is particularly helpful for bringing balance to a stressed-out nervous system.Book a spa treatmentThere’s nothing quite like a professional spa treatment to truly allow mind and body to unwind, so why not book into one of our Jurlique Spas for a luxury facial using natural-based skin care products? Whether you opt for an express treatment or indulge in a 90-minute experience, you’ll certainly leave feeling fresher than when you arrived.Create an at-home spaIf visiting a spa isn’t possible at the moment, try recreating that same experience of self-care at home. Soak in a long, hot bath before indulging in a nurturing self-massage. Add a few drops of our Tranquil Blend Essential Oil to our Jojoba Carrier Oil and apply all over your body in sweeping strokes. Instant calm guaranteed.Up your beauty regimeOur daily beauty rituals offer us a chance to incorporate small moments of self-care into our routines. Using aromatherapy and natural-based skin care is an effective way to bring about feelings of serenity. We suggest keeping our Blackberry & Lemon Zest Hydrating Mist Exclusive Edition on your desk or in your handbag, lightly spritzing it over your face anytime your spirit needs soothing.Get outdoorsIf all else fails, spending time in nature will work wonders in boosting your mood. Close your laptop, leave your phone behind, and embrace the great outdoors. Breathe in fresh countryside air, swim in the ocean, or simply take a walk in your local park – whatever your tonic of choice, getting outside is key to living the healthy life.
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IS ALL YOUR EXTRA SCREEN TIME DAMAGING YOUR SKIN?
Zoom calls, emails, endless scrolling through social media and news updates…it’s no secret that a lot of us spend far too much time in front of a screen – and now more than ever. Personal preferences of whether you’re a digital native or a technophobe aside, this extra screen time could be having damaging effects on the skin…and actually lead to premature ageing, all because of the blue light that emanates from digital devices.What is blue light?Blue light is a range of the visible light spectrum, defined as having a wavelength between 400−525 nanometers. It accounts for 50% of the sunlight spectrum and is the only part of light that is visible to the naked eye. Most of our blue light exposure comes from the sun, but it also emanates from your smartphone, computers and TV screens. We’re all aware of the damaging effects of UV rays and the importance of wearing sunscreen to protect our skin but exposure to blue light can also be harmful – especially given our close proximity to smartphones and laptops.How blue light affects skinBlue light promotes stressors in skin that can cause photo-ageing; that is, ageing from exposure to light. Long-term blue light exposure can cause skin damage, including discolouration, inflammation, and weakening of the skin’s surface.How to protect your skin from harmful blue lightAs with most things health-related in life, protecting your skin from harmful blue light starts from within, with a diet rich in antioxidants (blueberries, strawberries, kale and artichokes are all good sources) and fatty acids to reduce and protect against inflammation. Topically, you can also add skin care products into your ritual that contain antioxidants, to prevent harmful free radicals and inflammation generated by light pollution. Our Rosewater Balancing Mist is not only hydrating for the skin, but it contains our exclusive Jurlique Rose extract which is a powerful antioxidant.Our iconic Herbal Recovery range is packed full of antioxidants, containing extracts of Viola Tricolor, Nasturtium, and Yarrow, that help to hydrate your skin naturally, leaving you with skin that is soft, smooth, and revitalised.
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NEW YEAR RITUALS FOR SKIN HARMONY
The New Year brings with it hope, contemplation and a reawakening of mind, body and skin – the chance to start again and live in harmony with ourselves and nature. From the outer environment to your inner world, discover our top five rituals for an incandescent New Year.GLOW INSIDE AND OUTWater is the essence of nature so make hydration a priority this New Year. Choose fruit and vegetables that have a high water content such as melons, berries, cucumber, lettuce or celery; and increase your intake of water and non-caffeinated beverages. Avoid the dehydrating effects of hot showers and excessive sun exposure, and be sure to increase your fluid intake when exercising.Top-Tip: Discover our hydrating Moisture Plus rangeSOOTHE AWAY STRESSThe rush to end one year can take its toll on starting another. So, finding ways to reduce stress in your daily routine and environment can help bring calm to the start of the New Year. Increase time away from digital devices such as phones and computers and instead, take to journaling to express your thoughts and ideas. Spend time with friends and family, or a pet, and take a moment each day to focus on gratitude through deep breathing.Top-Tip: Discover our calming Calendula rangeMORE MOMENTS OF SELFCAREThe New Year is a busy social season however it’s important to acknowledge time for selfcare. Anchor to the present through mindfulness and commit to daily meditation to help eliminate negative self-talk. Give yourself a daily massage and treat skin to dry body brushing or a facial yoga ritual. Above all, learn to say no and ensure the New Year gives space to you, your needs and your dreams.Top-Tip: Discover our nurturing Spa treatmentsNOURISH IN NATUREAppreciate the nature around you this New Year by spending deliberate time outdoors. Notice the changes in the seasons, the birdsong outside your window and the flowers in bloom. Whether you discover new hobbies such as hiking or climbing, or simply walk along the beach, nature is all around us. By adding more plants to your home and work area or seeking out a community garden or conservation project, we can embrace a New Year connected to nature.Top Tip: Discover our nature-based Nutri Define collectionBETTER BEAUTY SLEEPA restful night helps power us through the day ahead so consider refining your New Year sleep routine. Plan a calm-down period before your head hits the pillow by reducing blue light exposure from electronic devices such as smartphones and computers and instead, light a candle or apply essential oils for tranquillity. Skin also benefits from beauty sleep with a regular evening skincare routine and frequently cleaned pillowcases to help support a radiant complexion.
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