Research suggests that the more we practice self-care, the more confident, creative, and productive we are. We also make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and communicate more effectively. Sounds like a pretty good path to improvement, doesn’t it? Here, experts share their best self-care tips—from meditating and journaling to good old fashioned pampering, and some ideas you may have never heard—so you can start making you a priority.

AMAZING APPLE TEA

Recipe:

Add water, apple, cinnamon sticks, cloves, turmeric, ginger, mint, and cardamom to a large pot. Squeeze half of lemon into pot, thinly slice the other half. Bring pot to boil. Simmer for 10 minutes, covered. Add 1 teaspoon of honey to bottom of each mug. Strain tea over honey in mug to dissolve.

Ingredients:

1 quart of water

1 red apple (sliced into quarters)

2 cinnamon sticks

8 whole cloves

¼ teaspoon of turmeric

1-inch cube of ginger (sliced)

1 bunch of mint

1 lemon

¼ teaspoon ground cardamom

Organic Manuka honey

MAKE YOUR OWN FACE MASK

Soothing Facial

This at home facial is full of calming and rehydrating properties!

Best for: sensitive skin. Chilly temperatures bring dry air, making sensitive skin more prone to irritation.

Time needed: 45 minutes, including prep time

Steps: Prepare masque by combining two tablespoons of peeled, pitted and mashed ripe avocado (to moisturize and soften), one teaspoon of honey (a natural antibacterial) and plain full-fat yogurt (a source of skin-smoothing lactic acid), plus 1/2 teaspoon of lemon juice (an astringent). Combine in a bowl and refrigerate for 30 minutes before applying.

Next, wash face with a fragrance and soap-free cleanser.

Smooth on a thin layer of the chilled masque, then relax for 10 minutes. Rinse off with lukewarm water.

Splash face with cooled, brewed green tea, which has antioxidant properties, and pat face dry.

Moisturize and nourish your face with a vitamin E capsule; you can open it by squeezing between your fingers. (But be aware that some people are allergic to vitamin E)

Fondue With Friends

Connecting with friends and trying new things is always fun and memorials. Whether it’s cheese or chocolate- it’s a creative old school/new school way to laugh, connect and elevate your mood.

Ingredients:

2 cups (7 oz) Revittle Gouda

2 cups (7 oz) Revittle Cheddar

2 Tbsp potato starch

1 clove garlic

2 cups (16 oz) local Ale or dry hopped Cider

Kosher salt and Cayenne

Recipe:

Toss the grated cheese together with the potato starch in a small bowl. Rub the inside of a cheese fondue pot or or heavy bottomed saucepan with the garlic clove. Add the beer / cider to the pot and bring to a light simmer. Add the cheese mixture by the handful and cook over moderate heat, whisking continuously, until the cheese completely melts. This should take about 5 minutes or so. Add a generous pinch each of salt and cayenne, stirring gently until creamy and smooth.

Laki Naturals Bath Soaks and Eleven Past Eleven Candles

Eleven Past Eleven Co. 

Made by a certified first degree reiki healer, our handcrafted all natural soy crystal candles are topped with charged crystals, creating a soothing amp; harmonious energy. It is said when crystals are combined with the active element fire, energies are increased.

Laki Bath Soaks

These bath soaks are good for you and they make you feel amazing!! I love to end my day with a nice relaxing bath using these bath soaks!

Tea Set and Chocolates