Making time for oneself can be a hard sell, especially in a culture that pushes productivity and payoff. But the alternative — that is, setting self-care aside for whatever seems most immediate and urgent at the moment — can be a fast track to stress, anxiety, and even a dip in self-confidence. And in that light, prioritizing yourself, whether through your skin-care routine or in what little spare time is available, can be all the more important, serving as a preemptive measure for when the going gets tough.
The upside is that a complete overhaul or extended spa weekend isn’t necessary, nor particularly helpful. Instead, building strategic habits into your routine yourself can add up to a meaningful difference in how you carry and feel about yourself. Maybe it’s bold, defined brows that help you feel ready to close a deal, or 10 extra minutes in the shower before starting your day. Whatever allows for consistency can best make self-confidence an everyday occurrence. With that in mind, consider these simple ways to put yourself first.
Bare skin with confidence
Summer calls for more skin, and whether you’re wearing a sleeveless dress, bikini, or some combination of the two, the requisite hair removal is in order (if you so choose). While it’s often overlooked, the right approach to aftercare can enhance and extend results, allowing you to feel more confident on the beach or boardwalk. Whether you choose to shave or schedule a waxing reservation at a salon like European Wax Center, follow your hair removal with EWC’s Ingrown Hair Serum; it gently exfoliates skin and quells inflammation to treat and prevent ingrown hairs with a blend of glycolic acid, vitamin E, and lavender.
Build in time for a physical activity
When one’s schedule gets busy, it may feel easier to forgo a morning workout in favor of more sleep, extra work, or other obligations. But committing to physical activity can actually pay dividends in your confidence levels, with research finding that exercise is associated with a direct increase in self-esteem. So although your workout, be it Pilates, weightlifting, or Peloton, may seem like the easiest option to skip when you’re facing a full calendar, it’s worth protecting that time in the long run.
Take time to groom
Much of the time, what you display on the outside can reflect on how you feel internally — which is why appearing polished and on-point can make you feel that way, too. One area where that can make a significant difference? The brows, which frame the face and can offer structure. The EWC Define & Tame Brow Kit simplifies the process with a dual-ended pencil and spoolie to shape the brows, alongside a brow gel that sets brows without feeling stiff.
Do a head-to-toe detox
Investing time in yourself can offer big dividends. Few things are better than one’s shower routine, in which it’s virtually impossible to scroll social media or respond to emails. The EWC Face & Body Detoxifying Mask offers an excuse to extend the process, allowing you more time to recharge. The 10-minute treatment is infused with salicylic acid, glycolic acid, and vitamin C to gently exfoliate and brighten skin, leaving it radiant from head to toe; unlike mud- and clay-based masks, which can strip skin of moisture, this mask is powered by activated charcoal for a nourishing deep-clean. Ideal for sensitive areas, it keeps skin smooth and comfortable — and you, more confident. Make it part of a ritual: Slather it on before you get in the shower, file your nails, meditate, or stretch, and then enjoy a steamy shower.
Find your fragrance
Fragrance may seem nice yet non-essential. However, research has found that it can actually enhance your self-esteem. Take a few moments in the morning to select a scent that suits your mood — or the feeling you’re going for — before starting the day.
