Name: Priyambada Dubey
Age: 28 years
Location: New Delhi
Occupation: Sr. Writer, POPxo
This November, I will be walking down the aisle with the most amazing man I have ever known. We have been seeing each other for a little over five years now, but it took us some time to convince our parents to let us get married. I’m sure a lot of people who have had a love marriage can relate to that. In June this year, our families agreed, and we got engaged. It was like a dream come true!
Getting married can be stressful, emotional and overwhelming. Had someone told me this a few months ago, I’m sure I would have laughed it off. I mean, what could be so taxing about getting married to the one you love, right?
The months following my engagement have been tough, to say the least. I was expecting it to be a time filled with joy, butterflies and excitement. Except that it wasn’t all roses and romance. Don’t get me wrong, my fiancé is a sweetheart. But something was amiss with me, I wasn’t happy. I was nervous, stressed, overwhelmed and anxious. I could barely sleep, and before I knew it, these negative feelings started to creep into every part of my life.
I was an emotional wreck. All I did was yell at the people I love, for no particular reason. This would then be followed by a guilt trip that lasted for days. I knew I needed to calm down, I just didn’t know where to start. My family and friends suggested meditation and yoga, but I knew I didn’t have the bandwidth to commit to something new. So I decided to take baby steps, make small changes. Over the past few months, I’ve devised a night-time routine that helps me manage stress.
Aromatherapy
I will always be thankful to my friend Aditi for introducing me to aromatherapy. Nothing works better to help me unwind than the smell of essential oils. Once I’m home, I like to take a warm shower and slip into my PJs. I turn on some soothing music, light a sweet-smelling candle. My favourite is the Overthinker (yeah, IKR!). It’s a Lavender Scented Candle and fills up my room with a soothing aroma. I think of all the good things that happened during the day. Gratitude is an important step in my routine. I spend 5 minutes every night giving thanks for all the things that happened, good or bad. It might sound silly, but trust me it works.
This simple routine helps me to calm down and sleep like a baby. I wake up refreshed and recharged looking forward to the next day!
Also Read: 5 Products That Can Turn Your Home Into A Spa On Days You’re Feeling Super Anxious
Face Massage
The constant stress and lack of sleep had taken a toll on my skin. My face was swollen and I was breaking out more than I normally do. My esthetician recommended a simple face massage technique that helps boost blood circulation and promote lymphatic drainage. I try to do this 2-3 times a week, it takes less than 5 minutes. Here’s what you need to do:
– Place your thumbs on your cheeks, with firm pressure move your fingers upwards into your cheekbones. Hold for a few seconds. Repeat the same on your forehead.
– Place your thumbs on your eyebrows and with firm pressure, move your fingers into your hairline. Repeat this a few times.
– Now place your index fingers on both ends of your lips and move them to the side of your face, almost like you’re forcing yourself to smile. Repeat this a few times.
I use the Calm Yo Zits, Blueberry Face and Body Gel to give my face a quick massage every night. This routine has helped me get rid of puffiness and has brought that glow back to my skin. I noticed that my blemishes were clearing up much faster! You can use any face cream or Aloe Vera Gel for this massage.
I am fortunate enough to have the support of my friends, family, and my partner. I talk to them whenever I am overwhelmed. I’ve learnt that sometimes, opening up is all I need to do to feel better.
All Images: Writer’s Own
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