Winter is an unkindly season to one’s skin as there is a lack of natural moisture There is a lot of heating indoors and dry air outside that can make your skin flaky and irritated. Your skin loses its natural moisture during winter which manages to keep it soft not to mention looking great however there is a way to fix that and winter should not take away your radiance.

Understanding how your skin dries out in winter and using techniques that are simple yet effective can allow you to keep your skin hydrated and smooth throughout the season.

So are you prepared to meet the challenge head on? Read along on Holaquiz because this article is full of great tips to help you deal with anything the winter can throw at you.

1. Drink Enough Water 

Applying moisturizer is great and all but remember it is not the solution to everything as other effective methods also work such as drinking plenty of water. It is important to drink enough water in winter as people do not feel thirsty during winter and avoid drinking water which can lead to dehydration and dry skin.

It is crucial to stay hydrated make sure you drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water even if you do not feel thirsty. Including additional hydrating foods in your meals such as cucumbers and oranges is also helpful. Soups are another great option. Herbal teas are also a great warm and hydrating drink. With this in mind water rich drinks and foods help retain your skin’s moisture and elasticity. Overall drinking enough water ensures the skin is better able to deal with the harsh winter.

2. Buy a Good Quality Humidifier

Installing indoor heating systems is something the majority of people do during the cold season as this makes life a little bearable however, the downside is that dry air ends up being bad for the skin. The beautifully simple humidifier comes into play here: this device adds additional moisture that is needed back to the environment.

Maintaining humidity levels between forty and fifty per cent indoors helps make dry air less dry making the skin a bit better and more comfortable. It may be helpful to use a portable humidifier in the bedroom at night so that the skin does not dry out. If you are looking for a cheap option, leave some containers with water next to the heaters to moisten the air. Addressing dryness within a headspace makes winter a far more comfortable experience.

3. Use A Gentle Cleanser

When it comes to your skincare routine, winter is a perfect time for a new cleanser to be introduced. Foamy, harsher cleansers which are effective during the summer season might a ) remove” your skin’s essential oils in the winter season which leads it to dry and irritated. Instead, pick a cleanser that is suitable for dry skin and contains ceramides, glycerin or Aloe Vera.

This way, you don’t have to worry about sulfates, alcohol or heavy fragrances as they will worsen your skin. Switching to a milder cleanser helps your skin feel fresh without losing its oil levels, making it smoother and brighter during the winter season.

4. Moisturize the Skin Frequently

Maintaining proper hydration on the skin is paramount, especially during harsh winter seasons. Dry skin is a common issue that many encounter, this can be avoided by applying a moisturizer on your skin as soon as you step out of the shower while your skin is still damp, this can also help lock in moisture throughout the day.

You can achieve this by applying jilts or oils that contain ceramides, shea butter or hyaluronic acid. Make it a habit to bloom your skin rather than rub it dry to avoid any irritations. Ultimately making this a habit will help you sustain and achieve smoother and softer skin.

5. Don’t Forget to do Night Skincare Routine

Making sure to take extreme care of your skin at night can be extremely beneficial, especially on cold nights, this is why overnight treatments are extremely effective for the skin. A moisturizing mask or a thick night cream can work wonders for your skin. Make sure to look for products that contain peptides, squalane, and honey.

In case you are on the lookout for natural alternatives, yoghurt and avocado or coconut oil can be used. Overnight treatments are usually reapplied so that one’s skin remains hydrated and supple and by the time you wake up, it is expected for the skin to be significantly more dewy.

Regularly treating your skin at night helps your skin prepare itself for any lurking threats during the day’s harsh harsh winter. Moisture in winter is energy-draining, however applying overnight treatments can and will change the way your skin feels.

6. Apply Sunscreen Daily

Sunscreen is not only associated with winter; it is also important when applied during winter. During winter, clouds and snow amplify the effects of harmful UV rays because they both attract and bounce sunlight.

Without proper protection, these rays can cause dryness, premature ageing, and even sunburn. It is highly recommended to apply a sunscreen that is broad spectrum with SPF 30 to the face, neck, and hands before going outside. To make your life even easier, pick a moisturizer that contains sunscreen. Always bear in mind that it is important to protect your skin from UV rays no matter the season of the year to keep it healthy.

7. Be Cautious When Exfoliating

In the cold, peeling off dead skin is best avoided, but exfoliation is an important step and should definitely be done. Exfoliating too much irritates the skin as it removes the protective layer and thus worsens the problem, including dry patches. So a sugar scrub or AHA once or twice a week can make the skin glow.

Gritty scrubs should be avoided as they can produce micro-tears that not only are dangerous but can lead to other complications. For a complete rejuvenation of the skin post exfoliation, deep skin hydration should be applied. All these tasks after being balanced out will keep the skin alright in terms of softness and allow for fast absorption of products. 

8. Pick Appropriate Clothing

While some fabrics are itchy on the skin some provide amazing comfort. Thick clothing is a must in winter but choose fabrics better for your skin, like wearing cotton under your armour. Wool can leave the skin health in a poor state as it tends to cause itches, while cotton maintains skin health.

Wearing layers of cotton ensures protection of the skin while wearing stretchy clothes. Taupe is one cotton clothing material, so try to look for clothes with taupe in them or invest in them, for better skin health without compromising style. But to avoid any friction wear these undercoats or scarves, and always opt for gentle detergent. That will further protect your skin from irritations. Clothing appropriate for the skin will allow for a beautiful winter and a nig to waffle.

9. Focus on Hands, Feet, and Lips

During the winter, your hands, feet, and lips tend to take the worst of it, often becoming the driest body parts, but it doesn’t have to be that way, concern them with sufficient care. After every wash, apply an emollient hand cream, smear on a thick foot cream at night, and use a lip ointment that contains beeswax or shea butter.

Don’t use menthol lip products, as they could cause even more dryness. To optimize treatment, follow up the application with gloves and socks to seal the moisture in. Such areas will stay hydrated, moisturised and soft as they attract more attention.

While stuffing a turkey or coming up with a new take on sweet potatoes seems like an infinite task, so does changing up the fall palettes and decorations for Thanksgiving to match the look of each home. Advance fall holidays and let’s make Thanksgiving a little bit more fun i.e. with front door wreaths, wall decorations, table settings, etc. 

All style enthusiasts should look at these Thanksgiving decor ideas from Holaquiz to get motivation for various styles.

1. Set Up A Thanksgiving Table

During these trying times it is almost reassuring and beautiful at the same time to take a backseat and appreciate the holiday for its perennial value as well as the blessings of having enough. A lot of bankers I know rave about the timeless beauty of white linen tablecloth and crystal utensils accompanied by a vintage candle holder, atop which stand a few tapered candles.

You can create a Thanksgiving table centrepiece by using a faux pumpkin vase filled with a colourful bouquet. For the farmhouse table, try greater creams, burnt orange, copper, and even grey if you feel like composing.

Another way of giving your table a today’s look is by transforming Thanksgiving into a monochromatic fest. For this table setting use real and faux white pumpkins, white cookingware and glassware with some gray dishes, white table linen and fresh eucalyptus branches.

2. Place a Modern Centrepiece

Bring in the outdoors within the house by using light decorations on the Thanksgiving table. The highlight of the table will be two bouquets placed on modern planters that can be dressed with a mix of cork coasters, a bit of silverware and simple linens with terracotta planters holding dried flowers at the centre which are elevated. 

Further, for people who enjoy mild weather at Thanksgiving, let their imaginations run wild as the entire feast can transcend outdoors. Utilise a fall harvest table that includes flower arrangements in earthy tones in autumn, perfectly suited for indoors. Incorporate earthy tones in the tableware and glassware that are not ostentatious but emphasise the food and wine. In addition, remember to bring dishware and silverware for kids if they are present at a Thanksgiving table.

3. Go For a Muted Colour Palette

Take a softer approach to the Thanksgiving table and choose muted hues for the Thanksgiving table. Arrange the table with a linen tablecloth and napkins, elegant glass fluted vases, tarnished silver-plated cutlery in a vintage style, and a huge bouquet and wild grasses in a soft tone that compliments the entire setting.

You can also create a Thanksgiving centrepiece with a bouquet of dried flowers. Introduce a pinch of festivity by using a rustic table runner with scattered eucalyptus leaves and pears, complementing the centrepieces with copper and brass candlesticks. For more Thanksgiving decoration ideas, consider warm amber glass votives for your mantelpiece.

Braze your lounge for Thanksgiving with additional throws and cushions in shades of autumn which will also aid in welcoming guests. Simple things like a kebab on the side wall on a public holiday and a bunch of colourful leaves and scented candles on the coffee table contribute greatly to domestic comfort.

4. Use Candles for Thanksgiving Decor

The soft flicker from candles is perfect to bring warmth to a Thanksgiving table. For this sophisticated table setting, you can make the votives somewhat diffused by utilizing inexpensive brown fluted vases of various heights. Inexpensive materials such as old tin cans can also be used to make a simple yet charming DIY centrepiece. The concept of simple but effective holiday communications and the pleasing flame from fundamental punched tin votive candles form a great combination that completes the centrepiece.

As the focus is to maintain a casual atmosphere for Thanksgiving, a combination of white and glass can be used. You might want to set up a dessert buffet station and add layers of height by incorporating multiple glass cake plates, a terracotta white turkey, and a few earthy decorations. Also, you can personalize your Thanksgiving table with some DIY projects.

5. Add Whimsical Accessories

Let us start with the easy part – adorning a minimalist style space. Only a few Thanksgiving-themed images are enough for the focal point to become playful; the fireplace can be adorned with a broom, bejewelled pumpkins, a wreath and turkeys. Alternatively, Thanksgiving napkin rings can be made using twine and cranberries. Such a functional simple and elegant look can be easily achieved for Christmas.

However, those who live in small apartments, are no longer making do with a stick in a jam-style space and instead can flaunt a modern minimalist look by simply covering half an empty shelf with mini pumpkins. Simply throw votive candles in the mix for that extra cosiness. Even during the Thanksgiving season/style a credenza with cake plates and stands as well as various types and sizes of gourds on display. On the actual day, a pie can be decorated with real pies as well as additional pies offered by attendees.

Read more such blogs on Holaquiz!

We all have felt the impact of stress on our bodies and productivity, and as a result, we’ve sought solutions or cures to improve our mental composure or attention levels. Sleep has been underrated for a long time, often viewed as wasted time.

In today’s society, quality sleep is core to productivity as well as brain function as it is through sleep that memories are formed and data is organized. Sleep deprivation is something few people can handle. It is caused by stress, abnormal work hours, and excessive use of technology. With sleep deprivation comes tiredness, impaired defence mechanisms, and difficulty in concentrating and remembering things.

There is light, however, at the end of the tunnel; one doesn’t have to make extreme efforts to enhance their sleep. One has to incorporate slight, yet efficient practices that become part of their day-to-day lifestyle. The consequence of improving your practices is that your sleeping habits will change for the better when night arrives. So, what practices would allow for such a dramatic shift in resting patterns?

This blog offers a chronological approach consisting of 10 different solutions for those who are struggling with the issue of retaining a good sleep and looking to overcome this obstacle.

1. Stick to a Regular Sleeping Schedule

To maintain a regular sleep cycle, also known as the circadian clock, it is really important to stay consistent in sleeping and waking times. As you go to sleep and wake up at the same time, your body gets used to resting and being awake at precise moments, making it easier to rest. It gets difficult to maintain a smooth pattern of rest when you have such unusual sleeping times, such as late nights on Fridays or sleeping longer than usual on Sundays. For best results, try to stay within your biological rhythms. With time, the number of hours slept is reduced, concentration is improved and waking up is pleasant.

2. Make Your Room Sleep Inducing 

The bedroom should be a lavish area where one finds rest with ease. To help, start with your sleep-inducing light; use soft light shades, so your mind knows it’s time to fall asleep. A cooler room temperature also helps one sleep longer and much deeper. If you find noise irritating, a white noise machine or earplugs can help as well. You should also use a high-quality mattress along with soft and light sheets. Make sure to declutter your room of all distractions to make your space more relaxing. The right kind of sleep environment is sufficient to ensure that one sleeps with minimal disturbance and suffers no interruptions during the night.

3. Cut Down on Screen Time Before Going to Bed

Screens have a quite dramatic effect and hamper sleep by diminishing melatonin production which is the hormone that orchestrates sleep. Using your smartphones, iPads, and television for a long period during the night confuses your body into thinking it is still the afternoon. To prevent this, he recommends a digital cutoff at least one hour before sleeping. During this time, practice reading, writing, or meditating. If you cannot do without a screen, however, use the Night mode or blue light filters to switch off the blue light emanating from the devices. Reducing the amount of time spent on the screen in the evening helps to adjust the body to the rest it needs at night, which also reduces the number of times a night person wakes up.

4. Don’t Use Stimulants in the Evening

Caffeine, nicotine or even alcohol have the potential to disturb your sleeping pattern. These substances tend to promote the nervous system which results in difficulty in achieving sleep or it being of poor quality. Caffeine, especially, has a half-life of several hours which ensures that its effects don’t wear off shortly after. Make an effort to steer away from coffee, energy drinks, and even some teas in the later part of the day. Instead, you can try warm herbs like chamomile or lavender which help in relaxing. If you enjoy drinking alcohol, try to do it during the day as it negatively impacts REM sleep. An evening where your body is free from stimulants is key to proper and deep rejuvenating rest.

5. Create a Soothing Bedtime Ritual

What activities, such as stretching, or listening to soft music, would you suggest to help you soften up before going to bed? Journaling can also assist in getting the last pieces of your mind together that may work against you trying to fall asleep for the night. Most enjoyable books also work to prepare your head, but keep the contents of the book light and enjoyable. Do not get involved in anything that may be disturbing or stressful, for example, work discussions or drama TV shows. Carrying teddy bears and practising warm-up exercises takes the worry out of getting to sleep; it is almost effortless.

6. Change Your Diet for Sleep

It’s common knowledge that what you eat has a direct relationship with how well you sleep and hence should be observed. Consuming foods rich in tryptophan, magnesium, and melatonin—such as bananas, almonds, and cherries—would guarantee a good night’s rest. Unless, of course, you are poor, in which case a heavy meal too close to bedtime should be avoided as it would just cause discomfort during the night. Similarly, sugary fast food or beverages can raise blood sugar levels and trigger a sudden spike in insulin that can confuse me and disrupt my cycle. For those, like myself who get hungry before bed, you could still consume moderate levels of nuts or yoghurt To cease going to the bathroom in the middle of the night, it helps to drink sufficiently throughout the day and limit fluid intake near bedtime.

7. Work Out Frequently, but Wisely

The benefits of physical activity include improvement in sleep patterns, lowering stress, and a myriad of other health benefits. However, when – still, when such exercises are done does matter, intense workouts late in the evening may energize you too much resulting in difficulty falling asleep. To answer that last question, try moderate amounts of exercise between the morning and the early afternoon. Such exercises will be beneficial to you without being a nuisance when it is time for you to wind down for the day. Walking, swimming, or doing yoga don’t just promote relaxation but also help enhance the sleep cycle. If high-intensity workouts are too demanding for you light exercises such as stretching or walking in the evening can also help to improve sleep even if it’s not strong so, it helps one fall asleep faster and helps one remain asleep longer.

8. Combat Stress and Anxiety

Most times stress and anxiety are the primary reasons for sleeplessness, forming a cycle of being restless and fatigued. To combat this, try to include various relaxing techniques in your regular regimen. Breathing methods, for example, the 4-7-8 technique, provide soothing sensations to your nerves, whilst mindfulness meditation can help you achieve clarity of the head and tranquillity. Another technique is journaling since it can help you cope with and let go of worries before going to bed which is effective. Gaze into images of soft, simple, pleasant things and your mind will be at ease… Imagine peacefully active sights and your entire way of thinking will become more relaxed. In the first place, if stress is dealt with proactively, it creates the perfect mental space for one to comfortably sleep and does not promote such sleep there is quite literally no more room for it.

9. Reduce Daytime Naps

Napping is quite useful, but extended or poorly timed naps can throw off your nighttime sleep. Long naps, particularly late in the afternoon, lessen your sleep drive, and in turn, make it difficult to sleep at night. To ensure napping is more beneficial and does not adversely impact other sleep, a nap should last 20 – 30 minutes and should be taken earlier in the day. This makes it possible for you to recharge and not disrupt your circadian rhythm. When used in the right way, napping is an excellent addition to your rest routine without interfering with nighttime sleep.

10. Get Professional Assistance When Needed

The CIA’s A Dan Andrew has said that it’s all about sleep. If difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep continues, despite the above lifestyle changes, it may be pointing towards a condition like insomnia, obstructive sleep apnea, or Restless legs syndrome. Other forms of fatigue, frequent nighttime wakings, and chronic loud decibel snoring are indicators that necessitate further self-evaluation. Doctors can conduct tests like Polysomnography to screen and cure disorders. Another useful solution to such chronic conditions is CBT’s cognitive behavioural therapy geared toward insomnia. The benefit of consulting an expert is that it targets the core problems causing the sleep issues allowing the patient to get the appropriate rest that their body and brain need to operate optimally.