Sometimes, life just throws us a curveball. It’s those moments wherein you can’t get up from your bed, feeling demotivated and sorry for yourself especially when things didn’t turn out the way we wanted it to. But know this, we’re all humans, and this is completely normal. When things get rough, there are always things you can do to push yourself to get back up again.

Relax

Photo source: @mariefieldfaith

Every once in a while, it is important that we pause from everything and give ourselves time to breathe and reflect in life. Go do something that you like-go for a pampering session, take a jog, meditate, indulge in your favorite song, or do a home workout. Relieve yourself of all the burdens on your shoulder and just think about clearing and freeing your mind.

After you’ve calmed yourself down, try to work through on what’s making you feel off. Its better to identify the root of your stress and confront it rather than to push it under the rug.

Look for Inspirations

Photo source: @jccastro09

You may turn to words or arts from others to help you to move forward and be optimistic. Feeding your mind with positive thoughts is one of the best ways to keep you motivated. Find things or people that will inspire you to cultivate an idea of your own, it can be a Youtube vlog, a TED talk, an inspiring movie/book, or even pegs on Pinterest.

Write Down Your Goals

Photo source: @abegael_

To keep you on the the right track, make sure that you have clear definitions of what your goals are. You can either write them on your planner, or tell it to a friend so that you’ll feel more accountable for it. Lastly, don’t forget to make your goals SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, time-based).

Dress Up

People say, if you look good, you feel good. And it is true! If you’re going to work, make sure to power dress, or to choose your favorite pieces. Though you’re feeling “off” inside, faking it ‘till you make it will really get you ready to conquer the day. If you’re staying at home, don’t spend the day on your PJ’s because your body will think its bedtime.

Reward Yourself

Remember to reward yourself for the effort you’ve given to pick up yourself and get things done. After all the hardwork you’ve put into, you surely deserve a pat on the back or major treat for yourself. Never ever deprive yourself of what you deserve.

Products That Will Cure Your Post-New Year Beauty Slump

So, all the holiday cheeriness is gone and all the gifts are opened, in short, everything is back to normal. After all that glam make-up look, the extra sugar, alcohol, and refined carbs, the question that remains: is your skin still in its glory or are you feeling a little lackluster? Work on getting back your fresh, dewy complexion with these products.

Real Mugwort Clay Mask

Here are just a few reasons why we keep bringing up our favorite clay mask: It clears excess sebum, waste in pores, and dead skin cells. It contains real mugwort leaf extract that gently removes dirt and soothes your skin. It resets your skin in just 10 minutes but is super duper gentle; what’s not to love? Also, we have it in our travel friendly sized packaging so out of town masking has never been easier!

Black Cleansing Stick

After all that holiday rush, this will be the answer to your oily skin problems. This will help you deep cleanse and unclog blackheads and remove the impurities that settled in your skin after all that foundation from holiday events.

Spot Saver Mugwort Gauze Mask

Here is another mugwort goodness. Time to let your skin breathe with this soothing gauze mask. With mugwort as its main ingredient, it will rid your beauty blemishes in a zap, plus its cross-hole pattern and sterilised gauze sheet will surely complete your all-round hygienic experience.

Isntree Mini Toners

In need of something new to add to your life and to your skincare regimen? Then, you better check these mini toners out. It comes in small bottles, perfect for trying out and finding the ideal toner that will suit your skin type and concerns. Now, you won’t have to force yourself to use up a whole bottle that you don’t even consider a HG.

Real Rose Calming Mask

Skin feels thirsty? Gel us about it! Quench that thirst with this Isntree Real Rose Calming Mask. A gel wash-off mask that contains real fresh rose petals, perfect in soothing irritated or sensitive skin and in moisturizing dry, dehydrated skin. Show yourself some love by giving it this rose.

Two Step Peeling Soothing Mask

For those days where you’ve been too exposed to Manila dirt and pollution—this Two Step Peeling Soothing Mask is the perfect way to clear it all. Just two steps, thats all you need to first remove pollution and second hydrate plus heal your skin! Talk about miracle in a sheet <3 P.S. We won’t be restocking this so get your hands on it before it disappears!

Refreshing Treatment

Photo source: @simplyskinph

If you still want some extra care, then you better head on to the nearest Simply Skin branch to have your Ultimate Modern Facial. With this refreshing treat, you’ll definitely get that glow, the kind that you have after that 9 hours of beauty sleep.

Book A Treatment

Simple Life Goals to Achieve This February

The month of January has passed, the question is, are you still keeping up with your New Year’s Resolutions? If not, then you better change your approach and set monthly goals or challenges instead. This way, you’re more likely to succeed since it will be more manageable and less stressful.

This February, start anew and make it all about the little things that can help you grow. No need to strive to be perfect, little by little, these small goals will ladder up to your bigger goals in life.

Embrace Mindfulness

Photo source: @whitespacewellness

In this fast-paced life, we’re always competing with time or are fixated on our screens that we sometimes miss out on the real moments. Learn to unplug even just for a while, appreciate the now as it is as important as the future. Mindfulness is being aware of what’s within you and also around you, without judging any of it as either good or bad-just accepting that they’re a part of life. Embrace mindfulness and you’ll feel more in control of your life, rather than your work in control of you. Nourish your mind, body, and soul by meditating even for just 3 minutes a day or signing up in guided meditation or yoga class like the one in WhiteSpace Wellness.

Discover Your City

Sometimes, it’s easy to take where you live for granted. So set aside a couple of days to take a little field trip and discover your own city. Mine your city’s hidden gems and fall in love again with home. Go for a stroll and who knows, you might find a coffee shop that, you swear, it was never there, that may turn out to be your go-to favorite. This activity might give you a fresh perspective and realize that there’s always something new and good, waiting to be found in everyone, every places, and everything.

Start a New Habit

To start a new, good habit, you don’t need to immediately do it full time. If you want to start exercising, why not start with just 3 sit-ups, then add 1 more each day or add another routine? Or if you’re trying to be a morning person, wake up 5 minutes earlier each day until you’ve reach the desired time. The goal is to make it so easy that you can stick to it. Follow the kaizen way - one step at a time. Never underestimate the power of one, small step for it can make a great and lasting change in your life. Come on, even the hands of the clock move one line at a time.

Declutter Your Room

In order to allow something new and better into your life, you must have a space for it. Don’t you think your heart and mind feels lighter and calmer when things are in order, when you’re surrounded with what you only need and love. Detach yourself from material possessions, start cleaning up even just a small part in your room, for now. Even after tidying up, practice mindful purchasing so you won’t end up with lots excess clutter again.

Dedicate an Hour for Yourself Everyday

Put down the phone and give yourself even just an hour a day, to reflect, learn, refresh, and just enjoy solitude. Read a book, take a walk, go on a jog, write on a journal, mask and chill, it’s totally your call. Dedicate a time where you can connect to your entire being and understand the beautiful person that you are.

Starting something is good, finishing it is great.

Affordable Ways To Say "I Love You"

Who says loving someone has to be expensive? You don’t put a price on love. Check out this simple and affordable ways to express your heartfelt commitment. To make it more fun, we’ve categorized it according to the five languages of love.

Words of Affirmation

Photo source: @arncyn

Isn’t it nice to receive a thoughtful and warm gesture? So this heart’s day, inject some romance to your relationship by writing a heartfelt song, making a poem, or just a plain but honest message. Just a pen and paper, and you’re all set. You can also store your message in a jar or bottle, and ask your significant other to read a message once day, this way, you’ll both be reminded of how much you love each other.

If you want to be a little extra in writing your message, you can check out these Kilig Series Postcards.

Plus, you can easily do this for your best friends, siblings, parents, all your loved ones!

Acts of Service

Photo source: @vancityreynolds

Nothing screams “I love you” than acts of service. Give your honey a good food at the beginning of the day, or wake them up with a smell of burnt toast and good coffee, prepare a surprise baon, or a home cooked candlelit dinner. If you’re looking for recipes that only need ingredients that are present in the fridge (very budget friendly, no need to spend more), you should try MyFridgeFood or Supercook. To make the day more memorable and fun, why not try cooking together!

Quality Time

Picnic

When you’re with your loved ones, it’s always the perfect time for a picnic. Make the day a moment you both will never forget by having a light-hearted lunch somewhere serene like Paco Park, Washington Sycip Park, or Blue Bay Walk.

Museum Walk

Photo source: @val.vlz

For the historically and photography-inclined, take a trip to our very own Intramuros, National Museum/Metropolitan Museum of Manila, Casa Manila, or any other museums. Discovering and exploring things together is a surefire way to grow your relationship and keep it fresh and fun. The couple that learns together, stays together.

Physical Touch

Photo source: @amebeverly

This is guaranteed the most inexpensive! It doesn’t necessarily have to be over-the-top PDA, just a kiss, a hug, a pat in the back, or holding their hands is definitely enough to make your partner feel more connected. You could also try a massage at home or at budget-friendly spas.

Receiving Gifts

Sometimes, saying ‘I love you’ is not enough and you just want to give your other half the whole world. It can be difficult especially if you think they’re perfect in everything that they do. Don’t you worry, you can never go wrong with these essential gift sets. You know what they say, happy pores = happy life! Plus, it’s super affordable!

At the end of the day, it’s still the thought and not the expense that counts. What really matters are the love and trust you’ve got for each other. There’s actually no need to wait for Valentine’s Day before telling someone you cherish them, because every day is a chance to show your unconditional love and every moment you are together is special. So here’s to loving all year long!