It is funny how getting some ‘me time’ seems to be so important for our well being.
And what better way to do that than by transforming doing your nails into an art and a procedure that you can look forward to?
It’s not about just having neat and shiny nails which are perfectly manicured.
It’s about an ability to create a special time when you can forget about all the hurly-burly and just remember who you really are.
Today I will also show you how you can make something as simple as nail care into a lovely, relaxing experience.
Let’s dive in!
The Power of Mindfulness in Beauty
Let’s talk about mindfulness before we get into the details of nail care.
Mindfulness means the ability to focus on the present moment.
This concept involves being aware and noticing everything happening right now in a specific time and place.
Believe it or not, beauty routines give you a great opportunity to practice mindfulness.
When we hastily run through the mundane, we don’t even get the opportunity to connect with ourselves.
But when we slow down a little bit and take our time, every brushstroke and every breath can become a form of meditation.
Making your nail routine to be a part of a thoughtful practice is not only self-care, but self-care is an act of love.
It is time that can be considered as the break from all the constant pressures of life and an opportunity to get a moment of rest.
Setting the Mood: Create Your Sanctuary
First of all, let’s establish the optimal environment.
This is your time, so do it right.
Well, let’s imagine it all as building up your own little corner for yourself or your dream little haven.
Dim the lights and burn a couple of candles or use an aromatherapy oil lamp and spread the fragrance in the room.
For relaxation, you might opt for any of the following scents: lavender, chamomile or eucalyptus.
You can also put some relaxing music or calming sounds of nature in the background.
In my case, I prefer such sounds as the sound of the sea or rather some piano music.
Look for things that calm your soul and give you a sense of tranquility.
Your environment has a great influence as to how you feel and so for the next few moments, make yourself comfortable and relax.
Gather Your Tools and Prepare for the Ritual
Firstly, gather all your nail care essentials.
This might sound like a no-brainer, but having everything ready before you start is key to maintaining that relaxed state.
Here’s a quick checklist:
- Nail polish remover – you should avoid one that contains acetone as it is harsh on your nails.
- A good nail file
- Cuticle oil
- A high-quality base coat
- Your favorite color of nail polish
- Top coat
- Hand cream
Arrange everything neatly on a tray or a clean towel to have an organized presentation of the supplies.
That way you won’t have to disturb your pleasant and comfortable working environment by searching for that elusive bottle of polish.
I assure you, you want to keep the vibe as quiet and smooth-sailing as possible.
Start with a Soothing Soak
Now your space is set and your tools are ready, it is time to start with a soothing soak.
Simply put warm water in a bowl and mix a few drops of some essential oil, or a spoon of bath salts.
Not only does this make your cuticles soft before applying the nail polish and make your nails ready but it is extremely pampering too.
Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths as you soak your hands.
Feel the warmth of the water engulfing the muscles massaging and reducing tension.
It’s your time to relax so don’t rush and take whatever time you need.
Mindful Nail Filing: Focus on the Present
When your nails are ready and your hands are clean then filing is the next step that has to be taken.
Well, this is where mindfulness really comes to play.
However, instead of hurrying through this step make sure you devote sufficient time to it.
Concentrate on how the nail file feels as you move it across your nails.
Feel the surface of the material as well and listen to the sound it makes.
Nail your nails carefully and, still more, deliberately, thinking over each mark.
It is probably time to implement diaphragmatic breathing.
Take a deep breath through the nose and hold your breath; then exhale through your mouth.
Let the tension in your shoulders disappear with each breath you take.
Like this might sound very basic, but it feels so real and helps to bring you back to reality.
Nourish Your Cuticles: A Gentle Massage
Cuticle care is one of those things which are usually not paid attention to, but it makes the process very relaxing.
To each nail, drop a few drops of cuticle oil and rub in.
Then massage your fingers and try to concentrate on the feeling of your fingertips against your skin.
Get all the stress washed away by each gentle movement.
Besides, massaging your cuticles makes them healthy and it becomes a nice opportunity to look at your hands as the instruments that work so hard for you.
In light of this, take time and thank your hands.
That may sound a little silly I suppose, but do remember that the act of being grateful is a great way to be mindful.
The Art of Painting: A Moment of Creativity
So, here’s where the creativity comes in — painting your nails!
Select the color that you like or a color that makes you happy.
When painting, it is important to concentrate on the bristle when using the polish.
Start painting the nails slowly and steadily and observe how the color turns up on your nails.
Basically observe how the polish attracted light, and how a color varies with the variants of layers.
This is a moment of creativity.
It is best to simply lose yourself in it.
In case you find yourself getting distracted try to bring your focus back to what you are supposed to do.
Concentration to things such as the size of the brush, the texture of the polish, movement when applying it.
From the way that they paint, every stroke is a small masterpiece.
Seal It with a Top Coat: Protecting Your Work
After that you are done choosing the color, it is now time to lock it in with the help of a top coat.
This step can be said to be like placing a protective shield over the effort you have made.
When using it try to imagine that you are encasing all the positive energy and or mindfulness that you have just cultivated.
It may not be much, but it is a lot and means a great deal.
Cherish what you’ve done for a few minutes.
Look at your nails and see how they shine as you turn your hands.
It’s not only nails. They are remembrance of how much attention and efforts you used to pay to yourself.
The Final Touch: Moisturize and Massage
The last stage of this paying attention to nail caring is the process of applying lotion.
Take a small amount of a moisturizing hand cream and apply it on your hands and then proceed to massage your hands very lightly.
Let it soak on your skin and give your hands the softness and needed nourishment.
While massaging, remember to focus on the individual fingers, the individual knuckles.
Now feel the muscles relax under your touch.
This is the right time to stretch your fingers and hands, releasing any last bits of tension.
It is one last step to end your mindful beauty practice in the best way possible.
Reflect and Savor the Moment
Sit down after the nail routine, try to meditate for a few minutes and be calm.
How do you feel?
More so, do you sense any disparity in your feelings or in the level of energy you possess?
Enjoy this type of scene and have a moment of peace.
Just do remember, that this is not all about having cute nails or the neatest fingernails.
It’s about finding a way to allow yourself some time of freedom and remove yourself from stress.
Bringing Mindfulness to Your Daily Routine
One simple way to be mindful is making your nail routine into a relaxing ritual: wash your nails, apply nail polish, etc.
That is the best thing about mindfulness, it can be practiced with any activity, be it significant or trivial.
Whatever you do in the morning: washing your face, having your coffee or tea, combing your hair – always means you are alive.
Therefore, next time when you are working very hard and often resulting in rushing, remember to take time off your hectic schedule.
Take a deep breath.
And, perhaps, pause for a while and paint your nails.
Because sometimes, the smallest things can bring the greatest joy.
And that is the whole understanding of mindful beauty.
