When you think of stagnancy, what do you think of? Perhaps a lack of circulation, a sluggishness, feeling uninspired, puffiness in the skin, maybe a little dull? Lack of movement in the body often leads to lack of movement in fluids, which can show in your skin. With winter coming to an end, now is a great time to notice where where stagnancy might be residing in your body and work towards creating more movement and fluidity. Here are some tips (if not gentle reminders) that can help when you feel stagnant:

If you need a tech break, take one

This is one that I’ve struggled to practice but have come to appreciate (and require) some short and long breaks from my phone, specifically with social media. Although social media can be a wonderful way to connect with people around the world, it causes us to be more sedentary since we’re most likely sitting and awkwardly holding our necks as we scroll. This creates stagnant fluid in the body and the face/neck. Trade 15 minutes of scrolling for a walk outside or set a timer so that you give your body a chance to move and your brain a chance to rest. Movement is the best way to beat stagnancy.

Utilize herbs and botanicals for their incredible circulatory benefits

Drinking hot tea and using plant based skincare are easy ways to bring some vitality to the body and movement in the blood and lymph. Some of my favorite tea companies: Vana Tisanes, Jadetiger Tea and skincare: Botnia Skincare of course. Calendula (shown in the photo from my mother-in-law’s garden) is one of my favorite botanicals to use both in tea and skincare for a little lymphatic support. Cedarwood and Geranium hydrosols are also great lymphatic boosting botanicals. Always check with your physician before taking new herbs. (Just a note, I don’t have affiliate links - these are my tried and true recommendations)

Give yourself a facial massage, or get one from a professional

This is my favorite way to work through stagnant fluid because so often we hold tension in our face without realizing it, therefore preventing an efficient flow of lymph. Plus allowing your body to relax will allow it to regenerate by moving into a parasympathetic state. This does not require a deep pressure, rather lighter pressure will allow the fluids to get the gentle boost they need. Try my ‘mindful facial massage’ tutorial at home, or come see in for a manual lymphatic drainage facial.

Switch up your skincare products

The change of a season is the perfect time to change up your skincare. If you’ve been using the same products for awhile but are noticing new changes in your skin, maybe it’s time to let something go or replace it with something else. Think of it like switching up what you eat according to the seasons. Our bodies need different nutrients different times of the year and our skin is no different. A rule of thumb: try to only change one thing at a time, that way you know if something is working or not for your skin. If you have questions about your skin or how to switch up your products, please feel free to reach out.

I hope at least one of these tips resonates with you so that you can bring some vitality to your body and your skin. You know your skin and your body best so do what feels right to you!