Sleep is good. We all know this. Research from the UK Sleep Council (yes, that is a thing) has found that getting a good night’s sleep can be just as crucial to our health and well-being as a healthy diet and exercise. Let’s be honest though, although we may have good intentions to get a full night of shut-eye, the reality is that it just doesn’t happen all the time, with less than a quarter of us Brits regularly making that golden 8-hour mark. Whether you’ve got chores to do, Emails to answer, kids to sort out, series’ to binge watch; it’s easy for the night to creep up on you.
We look and feel our best when we’re well rested, and whilst we don’t have any magic remedies to make you feel less tired (caffeine will have to suffice in that department) there are a few things you can do to make yourself appear a little more alive. Here’s our step-by-step guide to looking refreshed and well-rested, even when the batteries are running low.
Stay hydrated
Dehydration is a huge culprit for making us look drained, add a poor night’s sleep to the equation and you’ve got a recipe for dull-looking skin. Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day, and make sure you moisturise your face before bed. Start your day with a glass of cold water as soon as you wake up (add some lemon if you’re feeling fancy) to hydrate and refresh your body.
Put two dessert spoons in the freezer
Yes, seriously, you’ll need these later…
Shower smarter
We all know a morning shower can help you to feel more energised, but to really reap the benefits, give hot and cold hydrotherapy a go. Despite the fancy name, it basically just means switching up the water temperature mid-shower. Granted, it’s not the most relaxing of experiences, but it does a cracking job of waking you up.
Once you’ve finished your usual cleaning routine, turn the water as cold as it will go for around 30 seconds (or as long as you can manage), then switch the heat back up (as hot as you can go without burning yourself) for another 30 seconds, then go back to cold for a final 30. The sudden changes in temperature open up capillaries to increase blood flow and provide an all-round sense of revitalisation – totally worth it in the end. No pain no gain chaps.
Don’t skip the skin care
An exfoliating face wash is ideal for making you look less tired, giving dull skin an instant lift. When the dead cells are removed, light can bounce off the face, making it appear less lifeless. Look out for something with natural, skin brightening ingredients. Our kóri exfoliating face wash contains eucalyptus to help combat puffiness, whilst the orange oil packs a hit of vitamin-C and of course, that refreshing citrus scent.
Finish off with a quick spray of toner or tonic to really refresh the skin, and don’t forget your moisturiser! Like we said before, dehydrated skin = tired looking skin so you’ll want to lock in as much moisture as you can.
Banish the bags
Although on average women tend to get a better night’s sleep than men, male skin is more prone to displaying signs of tiredness, with bags under the eyes being the big one. This is where the spoons come in… Now, you could go out and buy some fancy cream or roll-on for this, but us being us, we like to keep things as simple as possible. The spoons should be nicely chilled by now, so gently press them (curved side down) on the skin under your eyes for a few minutes, or until they aren’t cold anymore. The combination of the cold and light pressure helps to boost blood circulation, reducing the appearance of dark circles – it feels pretty refreshing too!
Brighten your eyes
Brightening eye drops can help alleviate those tell-tale red, puffy eyes. Particularly beneficial if your lack of sleep is a result of a few too many drinks the night before.
Final thoughts…
So there you have it, you’re fresh-faced and ready for the day – just grab a coffee (or 5) and you’ll be good to go.
