Well, last year showed me that we really can’t take these simple joys for granted. And in fact, we really should be incorporating more of what we love into our daily lives. To start, let me entice you with what daily scalp massage can do for you: The ritual can improve circulation to the scalp, which research shows may even improve hair growth1. It also reduces the stress hormone cortisol2 in the body. Finally, it can even relieve headaches and other tension-related pains. (Read our full guide, which includes a how-to.) Sold yet? I’ve been getting into the routine lately as a means of stress relief, as I tend to hold a lot of tension in my scalp. The five-minute break in the day loosens the muscles, and I practically feel the back of my neck, jaw, and forehead melt in relaxation. The supplement works on the cellular level, rejuvenating skin cells with nicotinamide riboside (NR), protecting the dermis from free radical damage with astaxanthin, supporting the barrier with phytoceramides, and balancing oxidative stress with rhodiola. The result is glowy skin I can feel good about every day. That will change this year. I have decided I’m keeping to regular nail maintenance, hydrating my skin multiple times a day, and not letting drying hot water or soap do their worst, especially considering how much we are sanitizing now. It’s a small thing that really no one notices as I’m not leaving the house, but I really do feel more put together when my hands are well cared for. And after the chaos that has been the last year, it is almost downright cathartic to find habits that make us feel in control.
