Self-indulgence or self-care?

28 Feb, 2022

As the saying goes, remember to put your oxygen on first before you can help others.

I was reminded the other day in clinic as to why we treat ourselves and why I chose to be a beauty therapist. A client in reception while waiting for her appointment said “I really love coming here. I never used to spend the time or money on myself for treatments and now that I do I love it. It makes me feel good. Your staff are so friendly, I could just sit here.”

She wasn't booked in for a long or expensive treatment, just a mini package, but it resonated with me as she sat there, and I took a deep breath – wow, that’s why we do what we do! I believe beauty treatments are well-being treatments. There's plenty to choose from, there are also many different treatment providers to choose from. If you haven't found a treatment that gives you that bliss feeling, and you want to look after your well-being, then talk to your beauty therapist, they may be able to make suggestions.

You can have full body treatments that include body scrubs, mud wraps and massage, letting your body be completely relaxed. Or you can have a variety of mini treatments from brow shaping and lash tinting, foot rituals with milk soaks, scrubs and massage. Even 20 minute shoulder massages.

I think it is about letting go and letting someone else care for you, let someone refill your oxygen tank so you can continue to fill others. We are so privileged in this profession to be able to provide these treatments and it’s heart-warming when someone reminds you. Trusting someone to relax you and take care of you, whether it be a beauty therapist, massage therapist, reflexologist, or someone else, is definitely all about self-care. Take time for you.

n Alex Donald is owner of Pure Essence Face & Body Clinic, Waipu. Online pureessence.co.nz