Your January SKINCARE BLÜHPRINT 💙

We're nearing the end of what has felt like a very long month.  I've heard from so many in my community and circles that people are leaving January feeling worried, drained and anxious.  Is this true for you, too? I am hoping that this month's Skincare Blühprint will serve as a little respite from everything contributing to our collective fears, anxieties, and exhaustion.  I invite you to consider disconnecting as a means to nurture the connections that truly matter -- the people and activities and organizations that feed your hopes, rather than stoke your fears.  

This month, we are focusing on connection... and what that may look like in a hyper-connected world.  Have you been feeling a pull lately to flee social media? Or have you become even more aware of a tendency to doomscroll or glue yourself to a never-ending news cycle? We are only human, and these days, we've become conditioned to expect a very heightened level of information and awareness.  This constant flow of news and noise, however, can sometimes prevent us from deepening and truly enjoying the real connections in our lives (both online and in "real" life).  Acknowledging the importance of staying informed and engaged, it's also so important to give ourselves a break now and then.

What would it feel like to disconnect for an hour? A day? A weekend? What could we gain from being truly present and connected to our chosen communities?

Let's explore a few opportunities to connect together:

• Make it a group project: Whether you're tucking away your phone, the remote, or your laptop... it might help to engage a willing friend or partner in this exercise. Making it an adventure and holding one another accountable may make the process both easier and more enjoyable.
• Go where your people are: Think about spaces in your community where people are likely to congregate -- whether they're friends or people you've yet to connect with, but perhaps share one of your hobbies or interests. Visit a favorite restaurant or specialty store, visit a local museum, or volunteer for a local organization.
• Don't forget about the library: Libraries are often overlooked gems, and the perfect place to deepen your connections to your neighbors and neighborhood, to learn new skills or explore new hobbies, and yes, to pick up your next great book. Many offer discount passes to museums and cultural sites, have "libraries of things" allowing patrons to borrow anything thing from bocce sets to cameras to knitting kits, and run fantastic programming for people of all ages. 
• Take note of your experience: While you've got your devices tucked away, why not grab your journal and document your "disconnected" time. What did you learn? Who did you love spending time with? What other offline activities are you looking forward to? 
• Reconnect in a purposeful way: Once you're ready to venture back online, consider how you might reconnect in a more mindful, purposeful way. Can you limit the amount of time you spend watching the news, or limit yourself to certain trusted sources? Can you curate your social media following to ensure you're making space for curiosity, joy, and inspiration?