Routines Make Us Crazy or Sane

I've really been lacking lately on this whole blogging thing, so I'm on a new time management schedule, which seems to be working so far. I spend the day more efficiently, getting lots of stuff done before and after work, and not just letting it all fall apart after I get home from work, like I was before.

I'm not sure if any of you are big into getting yourself on a healthy routine, but trust me, its been doing wonders to me. It just takes little steps, and you have to try hard not to let it overwhelm you at first.

Here's a basic rundown of what I've been doing:

• Morning routine:
• Wake up no later than 7:30am
• Exercises, such as running, yoga, sit-ups.
• Shower
• Solid breakfast and my coffee ;)
• Relax until 9:30-10:30am with leisurely, creative activity.
• Afternoon routine:
• Eat/make sizable breakfast
• Get ready for the day
• Go to work! (my typical shift right now is noon to 5pm)
• Evening routine:
• Eat a small dinner no later than 7:30pm (Early and small dinner, because your metabolism slows down the later it gets, and if you eat too close to sleep, it can cause indigestion)
• More creative time
• Off screen by 9-9:30 (this means computers, tv, cellphones, anything that can effect sleeping habits)
• Bedtime routine (brushing teeth, face washing, etc)
• 15 minute stretch
• Read/do puzzles in bed until I fall asleep no later than 11pm

NOW, this is just a rundown of my routine. It works for me, and may not for anyone else by any means. I've been sleeping poorly, and this is all to try and correct that, as well as force me into a generally healthier lifestyle. A lot of whats above only applies to a day that evolves around my work day, and does not include what to do if I have plans. 

Some daily outfits....:

Room is messy due to living with a messy boy. XD

A Good Blogger...

Blogs every day! And I am terrible at that. Positivity is often a hard thing to keep up with. I'm trying my best!

So far, though, in my absence, my skin has cleared up quite a bit, so I am very pleased about that.

aw, you may not be able to see much of a difference, but here's what I looked like a month ago.

Even the bags under my eyes have become less raccoon like!~ Progress.

What were my tactics? Welllllllll, I'll tell you!

• Better sleep! It really helps both balancing out your stress levels, which helps keep you from breaking out with stress-acne. As well, it keeps those bags slightly under control.
• Pinning hair out of your face if you are going to sleep or going to exercise. It keeps the grease from your hair from rubbing on your brow and cheeks. 
• Smiling more. Stress-acne is such a feisty butt-head, seriously.
• Sun exposure! I've been trying to get a natural tan, which isn't working. I just freckle, and stay just as pale, but at least it helps clear my skin. Remember to wear sunscreen though! Try and get all natural/organic stuff, so you don't get a lot of chemicals in your skin!
• Moisturize and cleanse! And don't give up! I've been moisturizing my skin every day up to 3 times a day for about 2 months, and cleansing every 2 to 3 days (which I could do more of, but I'm lazy, because cleansing take a little more time), and I've seen a pretty good improvement in my skin! But it takes time. Don't expect immediate results. It can take up to a month before you see any improvement, but I believe you are training your skin to be healthier as well as your habits. I just picked up the cheapest, animal friendly products I could find at my nearest Co-op, but I may try new products down the line.
• What I use:
• Answers from Nature's Botanical Moisture Creme: 
  
• MyChelle's Fruit Enzyme Cleanser:
  
  
  
• Also, sometimes good old Aloe Vera gives a bit of a moisturizing boost as well, and I've been using it when I'm wondering about.

I think that's about it as far as my skin goes. I'll probably be adding more steps to my face routine later down the line, with some toner or face wash, but I have yet to find natural stuff that I like (or is in my price range). I'm almost out of my powder foundation as well, and will be picking up some organic stuff. I'll share how that works when I finally make my purchase!

Now, tomorrow is my last day of eating crap for about 5 days. I'll be doing a detox with the hopes of dumbing down by coffee/dairy addiction. I will probably be documenting what I do for my detox on here. It wont be a dangerous one either, I've done research, and I've created my own food plan that works with me and my schedule.

tata!