In an ever-changing society, language must follow suit. It is a guideline to the way that we understand the world, adapting and expanding to reflect our current reality. The wellness industry is not exempt from this phenomenon; an ever-changing field requires ever-evolving language as well.
Massage is one of the most popular, widely utilized acts of self-care in the world of wellness. Using pressure and movement to relieve tension held in the body can be incredibly relaxing and beneficial to one's health; just as we move the body's muscles via massage, moving the muscles of the face can boost wellness as well. Whether utilized by a tool or a hand, facial massage can positively affect the health of your skin and being.
What is Facial Massage?
Facial massage involves moving the soft tissues of the face and neck to increase circulation and reduce stress. It can incorporate various methodologies and techniques, including reflexology, acupressure, trigger pointing, and circular strokes. Some prefer to use a tool, such as a face roller or gua sha, though the side of the hand also works well for facial massage.
Increases Circulation
One of the primary benefits of facial massage is that it increases circulation. This stimulates the blood flow, which aids in delivering oxygen and nutrients to skin cells, promoting regeneration. Just as beneficial nutrients flow to the skin cells, circulation also aids with lymphatic drainage, flushing toxins and stagnant energy from the face. By detoxifying and increasing blood flow, facial massage can result in a beautiful, healthy glow.
Relieves Tension
Just as we store tension in our shoulders or back muscles, we also store tension in the muscles of the face. This can manifest as headaches or migraines, as well as stiff neck muscles, tense jaws, and general tightness. Holding this tension in our facial muscles is uncomfortable and can create fine lines and wrinkles. Facial massage eases the tightness held in the face, relieving tension and promoting general health and relaxation.
Can Reduce the Appearance of Fine Lines
By reducing tension and bringing nutrients and oxygen to the skin, facial massage can help increase cell turnover, which lessens the visible effects of fine lines and wrinkles. Massage can be especially beneficial if done with a nutrient-packed oil or moisturizer.
How To Employ Facial Massage
Always employ facial massage after cleansing, using clean hands. First, generously apply a facial oil or moisturizer to help nourish and hydrate the skin. Using a tool or the side of your hand, sweep gently from the center of the face along the cheekbones, upwards toward the hairline, from brows to the temple and jawline, and from the collarbone towards the ear. Take care when massaging the delicate skin of the under-eye. Synchronize these movements with deep, slow breaths and enjoy facial massage as a grounding, daily self-care ritual.
Did you know that oceans cover 70 percent of the Earth’s surface? They contain about 324 million cubic miles of water, more than 97 percent of all the water on the Earth. There is no doubt that the oceans are so important for so many reasons, but unfortunately, they are being threatened at an alarming rate by pollution.
Do you think you recycled that water bottle with the cap or package your child’s toy came in? More than likely, it has ended up either in a landfill or the great big ocean. In fact, according to National Geographic, 5.25 trillion pieces have been found with 260,000 tons floating on the surface and 4 billion plastic microfibers per square kilometer of litter in the deep sea.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the most common debris items found in the ocean include cigarettes, plastic bags, beverage cans, straws, stirrers, and more. By 2050, they predict that there will be more plastic in our oceans than fish. Luckily, scientists have been working to create technological solutions that will help clean up our oceans and hopefully resolve this important issue. These include:
- System 001: This 62-mile barrier targets plastic debris, microplastics, and ghost nets from the gyres, also known as the Great Pacific Garbage Patch. Created by Boyan Slat, CEO of The Ocean Cleanup, the innovative design cleans up 80,000 tons of garbage between Hawaii and California. Ultimately, the goal is to preserve the natural environment by capturing plastic before it degrades into microplastics using a slow-moving design that moves with the ocean’s currents to collect plastic and keep it contained.
- Seabin 5V: Seabin V5, created by the Seabin Project, is aimed at gathering floating trash located in areas with calm water, like marinas and harbors. Crafted from recyclable materials, this vacuum-like design pumps water into the filter bag located inside the device. Water is then pumped back into the surrounding area.
- Mr. Trash Wheel: Mr. Trash Wheel, created by Clearwater Mills, LLC, is an innovative water wheel that captures trash in rivers, streams, and harbors and turns it into electricity. It can clean up 38,000 pounds of trash daily and has prevented 1.6 million pounds of debris from entering the ocean so far!
So, how can you help save our oceans? Although there are many large-scale solutions for ocean cleanups, there are also simple ways that people can do their part:
- Switch to plastic-free alternatives: Stop using single-use plastics and adopt eco-friendly alternatives like reusable grocery bags, glass coffee cups, etc.
- Avoid ocean-harming products: Many cosmetic products have harmful and toxic chemicals that cause damage to our oceans. For example, marine-toxic chemicals, like oxybenzone and octinoxate, are found in most sunscreens. Any ingredients affecting our marine life can be washed off when swimming in the sea or during a shower and passed out into sewage, eventually reaching the ocean.
- Reduce your carbon footprint: The amount of carbon dioxide emitted into the atmosphere has increased over time and has made our oceans more acidic. To reduce your carbon footprint, you can try simple things like riding a bike or walking instead of using a car or avoid using your thermostat during cold months.
- Get out and vote! Elect public officials and vote on policies that support and protect marine life. Educate yourself to make an informed decision and exercise your right to vote.
- Pick up your trash: Do your part by making sure you collect all of your trash before you leave a place like the beach, lake, or park. Maybe even pick up the trash left behind by those around you. Although it’s not your responsibility, picking up garbage left by others is a small tactic with a great impact.
With today’s technology and a collective effort to make more sustainable choices, we can all come together to help our ocean life. Here’s to protecting one of our most precious resources: our oceans!
Who doesn’t love lacing up a comfy pair of shoes and exploring the great outdoors? Luckily, there are trails in nearly every town and state across the country, making it easy to enjoy hiking. Yet with climate change and overuse of visitors, trails can be damaged and littered without routine maintenance.
That’s where National Trails Day comes in! Hosted by the American Hiking Society on the first Saturday in June, thousands of hikers, bikers, paddlers, federal and local agencies, as well as businesses, come together to advocate for, maintain, and clean up national and scenic trails, plus trails on public lands. While that date this year has already passed, it’s never too late to support the trail system year-round to keep them safe and clean for everyone to enjoy.
Six years ago, the National Trails System celebrated its 50th birthday. Congress passed the 1968 act to promote the establishment of scenic trails as well as recreation and historic trails. Now, the network of government-protected paths is composed of over 1,000 trails, including the 11 National Scenic Trails, which range from long hauls such as the 4,600-mile North Country NST to shorter hikes like the 220-mile New England NST and encompass nearly 18,000 miles.
These days, climate change has had adverse effects on the trail system. It is a contributor to more frequent and intense weather events such as severe storms, floods, and droughts, which can ultimately cause erosion, washouts, landslides, and flooding, which makes trails unusable. Additionally, rising temperatures and drier seasons can lead to increased wildfires that can damage trails and cause unsafe air-quality conditions, plus melt glaciers like at Glacier National Park in Montana.
Nationwide, Rail-to-Trails Conservancy’s trail counters showed an average increase in trail use of 9.5% between 2022 and 2021, and a lowly 1.5% decline compared with 2020, the most significant year for trail use on record. Notably, trail use in 2022 was 45% higher than in 2019, showing an enduring demand for trails nationwide. That’s thousands of people who hike, bike, and horseback ride through rocky mountain passes and grasslands. This can lead to overcrowding, more litter, and general “wear and tear” of the trails.
To help make the transition as easy as possible, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of resources. This includes:
- Commit to trail service this year: Find a trail service project to make a difference in your area!
- Give a gift: Make a donation! Your support will build and maintain trails across the United States, engage the next generation of trail volunteers and advocates, and educate voters and lawmakers on issues important to the hiking and outdoor community
- Speak up: Advocate for the great outdoors! Tell the Senate to pass the EXPLORE Act, which “will help get people outdoors by modernizing federal recreation systems and eliminate barriers of access to the outdoors.”
- #RecreateResponsibly: Keep yourself healthy, keep others safe, preserve and protect public lands, waters, and parks, and help make the parks inclusive.
It’s never too late to help preserve and keep our trails and parks beautiful so everyone can enjoy them. See you on the trails this summer!
The shift back to civilian life after deployment is different for everyone. While many veterans have little to no problems readjusting back home, some face challenges of reintegration. In honor of Military Appreciation Month, society needs to examine these challenges and the many ways to support them.
Deployments often last months or up to a year or more, with minimal connection to friends and family. So it makes sense upon returning home how it might be difficult to relate to people who do not know the experiences of military personnel or to reconnect with family and establish a role within the household.
Another challenge that a veteran might face is entering the workforce. Some may have never looked, applied, or interviewed for a civilian job, especially if they had a lengthy career in the military. In applying for a new job, it’ll be necessary to translate military skills and duties to create a resume. A veteran might also have to return to a job, which might include a period of catching up, learning new skills, or adjusting to a new position. This is all in addition to dealing with unexpected difficulties like anxiety, trouble sleeping, difficulty concentrating, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and others.
According to a Pew Research Center report, “while most say readjusting to civilian life was very or somewhat easy, roughly one in four say it was at least somewhat difficult.” This refers to post-9/11 veterans compared to pre-9/11 veterans. In fact, “about half of post-9/11 veterans say it was somewhat (32%) or very (16%) difficult for them to readjust to civilian life after their military service. By comparison, only about one in five veterans whose service ended before 9/11 say their transition was somewhat (17%) or very (4%) difficult.” That’s a big difference!
To help make the transition as easy as possible, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) offers a variety of resources. This includes:
-Job training programs: There are several programs available to help veterans learn new skills or brush up on existing ones. These include the Transition Assistance Program (TAP), Veterans Employment and Training Services (VETS), the American Job Center, and more.
- Housing assistance: Returning service members may be eligible for housing assistance from the government or private organizations, which can help with the cost of renting or buying a home.
- Educational benefits: For those interested in attending school upon their return, the government and other private organizations offer educational benefits that can help with tuition, books, and other expenses.
- Mental health services: Returning home is a major change. Get support for a variety of mental health conditions and other challenges through the VA.
- Financial assistance: For financial assistance with housing, education, and other costs associated with adjusting back to civilian life, there are also financial assistance programs available.
In addition to the VA, there are so many organizations making a difference for veterans, like Soldiers of America, Military OneSource, Veterans Returning Home, and too many more to count. They offer ways to volunteer and donate to help all of the returning veterans out there.
Service members’ dedication and sacrifices for their country should be met with respect, care, and understanding. Thank your service members for their service!
Our planet is amazing, isn’t it? Earth rockets around the sun at 67,000 mph. It is the only planet in our solar system known to support life because of oxygen and water. To celebrate our home and keep it thriving, people from all over come together on both Earth Day and Arbor Day, held on April 22nd and April 26th of each year. Both days are all about treasuring our precious planet.
Earth Day started back in 1970, when Senator Gaylord Nelson wanted to bring awareness to environmental protections. Thus, Earth Day was born. More than 20 million Americans demonstrated across the United States that spring and then the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) was created to help tackle environmental issues. It worked!.
The holiday has transformed over the years – in 1990, Earth Day went global with more than 200 million people in 140 nations celebrating. In 2000, Earth Day extended even further, with people across 184 nations and 5,000 environmental groups involved. Today, more than 1 billion people celebrate, making it the largest secular civic event in the world.
Much like Earth Day, Arbor Day celebrates nature with a purpose to encourage people to plant trees. Many places take this opportunity to organize tree-planting and litter-collecting events on or around the holiday. The idea for the annual holiday came from tree lover Julius Sterling Morton who had a passion for planting trees of all varieties. He said, “Other holidays repose upon the past; Arbor Day proposes for the future.” Well said.
The first Arbor Day happened on April 10, 1872, in Nebraska City, Nebraska. It’s estimated that nearly 1 million trees were planted that day. According to Almanac.com, by 1885 Arbor Day had become a legal holiday in Nebraska. On April 22nd, which honored Morton’s birthday, thousands of Nebraska City citizens turned out for one big party, including 1,000 children who formed a parade. Within 20 years of its creation, the holiday was celebrated in every American state except Delaware, which eventually joined in.
Celebrating our planet is now more important than ever. Due to the impacts of global warming, we are experiencing extreme weather, rising sea levels, extinction, and so many other things. Earth Day and Arbor Day allow for our collective communities to reflect on this beautiful place we call home, and how we can work together to try to save it.
So, how can you celebrate these momentous annual holidays?
See other ways to be part of the celebration and take care of our planet Earth!
As we move out of winter hibernation and embrace the regeneration that comes by way of spring, we must place an even higher value on the time we have to rest. Some may choose to do this by way of yoga or meditation, while others prioritize the little time they do have to sleep. The use of a weighted eye pillow has been gaining popularity as a way to increase relaxation.
Rather than a typical eye mask that is affixed to the head, weighted eye pillows are designed to lie gently across the eyes during periods of rest. They can be filled with various materials, including rice, flaxseeds, buckwheat hulls, or aromatherapy ingredients such as lavender buds.
Here are a few ways that this tool can enhance your wellness practice:
Calms the Body: Similar to the soothing effect of a weighted blanket, a weighted eye pillow also helps the body prepare for rest on a smaller level. The gentle weight across the eyes stimulates the Vagus Nerve, which responds to the pressure on the eyelids by signaling to relax. In turn, the Vagus then stimulates the Oculocardiac Reflex, which works to slow the heart rate, calming the nervous system to a more relaxed state.
Light Blockage: Eye masks and pillows are excellent tools to block out light during sleep. Without being disturbed by light pollution, this allows the body to acheive deeper, better-quality rest.
Reduced Stress: A gently weighted eye pillow can help relieve the tension around the eyes and its muscles. Its use helps to relax the face, hindering the onset of headaches and migraines. Should one occur, they can help provide relief; many weighted pillows can be chilled or microwaved to provide additional comfort.
Better Circulation: Some find that using an eye mask can help improve the skin around the eyes, such as reducing dark circles, puffy eyelids, or soothing any ailments of the eye.
In the ancient traditions of Ayurveda, an eye mask is an essential tool used to calm the body and connect with one’s personal space. At Mojave Desert Skin Shield, it is in this vein that we have created our own Ayurvedic Eye Pillow. Filled with natural flaxseed, the cotton pillow can be chilled in the freezer or microwaved to foster optimal relaxation. It is sheathed within a washable beige cover sewn from 100% eco-certified European linen, with our emblem stitched chicly on the front.
We believe that harvesting a deep connection with your inner being is essential to living a rich and peaceful life. With this tool as a guide we invite you to take a breath, close your eyes, and allow the soft weight of our Ayurvedic Eye Pillow to gently push you deeper into your inner field.
Did you know that 2.2 billion people live without access to safe water? World Water Day, observed by the United Nations, aims to change that. Every March 22nd since 1993, the UN has observed World Water Day by focusing on the importance of freshwater and helping tackle the global water and sanitation crisis.
Among the 2.2 billion people living without managed drinking water, more than 115 million people drink surface water. According to the UN, at least half of the global population encounters severe water scarcity for at least part of the year.
Yet it does not stop there.
Almost half of the global population depends on water that crosses national borders. Yet, out of the 153 countries that share water sources like rivers, lakes, and aquifers with their neighbors, only 24 countries report having cooperation agreements for their shared water. While the Earth is composed of 70 percent water, only 0.5 percent of the planet's water is usable and available freshwater – and climate change is affecting that supply. Over the last 20 years, terrestrial water storage – including soil moisture, snow, and ice – has dropped at a rate of 1 cm. per year, with severe ramifications for water security.
This year’s theme for World Water Day is Water for Peace. Water can create peace or conflict– when water is scarce, polluted, or inaccessible, tensions and conflict can arise in communities and countries. As climate change increases and populations grow, there is a significant need to unite around conserving our most precious resource on Earth: water.
But really, how can water be a tool for peace overall? We all know that water scarcity has become a significant problem on nearly every continent, with the poorer communities mostly affected. To fight global climate change and serve a growing population equitably and sustainably, there must be an integrated approach centered on human rights and trusted data. In this way, water can be a catalyst for peace at the:
National Level: The need to cooperate across various water-using sectors might provide an entryway for coordination across interests
Be part of the global movement– everyone needs to come together to do what they can to cooperate on water access and pave the way for a more peaceful society. Download resources to get involved in Water Day and learn more about the connection between water and peace.
Access to safe and clean water should be a right– not a luxury.
What do Marie Curie, Jane Goodall, Jane Cooke Wright, Barbara McClintock, and Katherine Johnson have in common? They are all brilliant scientists and doctors who have left an indelible mark on science over the last two centuries. These are just a few of the many women who have helped pave the way for future women to thrive in science.
However, we still have more work to do in bridging the gap. While there has been progress in gender equality and increasing awareness over the last decade, women continue to be underrepresented in STEM fields. In fact, in 2023, women made up less than 30 percent of the global STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) workforce. They account for just 24 percent in the United States, 17 percent in the European Union, 16 percent in Japan, and 14 percent in India.
February 11th marks the annual International Day of Women and Girls in Science, aimed at bringing awareness to these gender disparities. This day is a global celebration of the women who work and contribute to scientific findings.
DInitially adopted by the United Nations General Assembly, the day is carried on annually by UNESCO in collaboration with UN Women. Both organizations work with national governments, civil society partners, corporations, and universities to promote awareness to celebrate the accomplishments of women and girls in STEM and encourage young people to consider a future career in these fields.
Here are a few statistics to consider:
This inequality is notable, as it points to a lack of diversity and inclusion that limits the overall potential of the STEM industry. Factors like stereotyping, lack of women role models, and work-life imbalance tend to perpetuate the STEM gender gap.
As the wife of an electrical engineering professor, math and science are dominant fixtures in our house. Not only do mathematical equations inundate sheets of paper on our dining table and simulations constantly run on the computer, but I see our curious 3-year-old daughter building towers out of her Magna Tiles, playing with her stethoscope and giving us checkups, and talking about everything space-related. It makes me wonder if she will follow in her father’s scientific footsteps or go in the opposite direction (maybe writing like her mom!). Whatever the case, I can see her making an impact in the world of science, and I hope we can give her the tools to enhance her curiosity and imagination!
As a society, there are many things that we can do to help bridge this gender gap in STEM, such as giving unconscious bias training to colleagues, offering more educational and career opportunities for women and girls in science, and providing consistent leadership that makes everyone feel valued and respected. Be part of the International Day for Women and Girls in Science on February 11th by pledging for equality or joining the global network. Another way to make a difference is by checking out women's organizations like the Society for Women Engineers, Women in Medicine, SheCanCode, and the Association for Women in Science.
The world of skincare is one that seems to be constantly evolving. We regularly bear witness to the creation of new products, technology, and ways our skincare routine can improve. One of the trends that has been gaining popularity recently is microneedling; a relatively simple technique that can have significant effects on a user’s skin tone.
Microneedling, also known as dermarolling, is a cosmetic procedure that consists of using small, thin, sterilized needles to puncture the skin. The device looks something like a handheld razor, featuring a round barrel containing needles at the end, which is then rolled over the facial skin. New tissue is then created as these micro-wounds heal, resulting in a wide variety of microneedling benefits that improve skin appearance and texture.
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure, and thus safe to do for most people. While some may prefer to have facial microneedling done by a professional dermatologist or esthetician, derma rollers can be purchased at drug or beauty stores. As long as they are used properly, this is also a practice that one can do by themselves at home.
There are a wide variety of microneedling benefits. The healing process of the micro-wounds allows for the creation of collagen-rich tissue; this is more even in color and texture than regular tissue, as well as more elastic. The result is a face that looks more plumped, smooth, and firm.
This process also helps break down dark spots and scarring on the face, improving the appearance overall. It can also reduce the appearance of acne, scars, and large pores, making the skin appear radiant and glowing. Microneedling also does not pose the risk of skin discoloration, as laser therapies do.
Further, microneedling benefits include the fact that the micro-wounds open the skin, creating an optimal time to introduce serum. The punctures allow for serums to penetrate the skin at a deeper level, increasing their benefits. For this reason, microneedling is a favorite portion in our skincare routine.
At Mojave Desert Skin Shield, we microneedle after cleansing, just before applying our beloved Organic Desert Nectar Serum to the skin. With the hero ingredient of olive leaf juice, known to effectively combat the effects of environmental damage and aging, our Climate Adaptive™ Organic Desert Nectar Serum brings vitality to any complexion. Its high concentration of hyaluronic acid in its highly absorbable form, sodium hyaluronate, helps restore moisture to the skin, relieving dryness while plumping the face for a hydrated, healthy glow. During our Signature Fascial™ Healing Session, we love to apply Organic Desert Nectar Serum under our Nourishing Oil or Replenishing Cream for extra radiance and toning.
