How to have a good nights sleep.

January 9, 2023

I have so many clients who have issues with sleep. According to the Sleep foundation (2022) Sleep is an essential function, to allow your body and mind to recharge. 1 in 3 people report, they have problems with sleep.

 

Without enough sleep your brain cannot function properly. For most adults we require around at least seven hours of sleep for proper brain function, and to keep the body from risk of diseases such as high blood pressure.

 

Here are my top tips to help you improve your sleep habits.

 

Establish a Bedtime

 

Yes, even adults need a bedtime. This is not only for children. To help your body get into a healthy sleep cycle it is important to have a bedtime. Remember, you want to aim for at least seven hours, so if you need to be up for 6am, then going to bed at 10pm, will give you time to drift off. Doing this every night (even on the weekends), will promote a healthy sleep habit. Your body will start to follow this pattern in due time (remember you must also wake at the same time every day for it to be effective).

 

 

Create Ambience

 

Creating the right ambience can help you to relax. Making some small adjustments could make a difference. Try to make sure the room is at a comfortable temperature and the lighting is low. Burning some candles or a diffuser before bed, can help you become relaxed with the right blends.

 

Ensure the window cannot let any light in, black out blinds or curtains are great for this. The correct mattress can make all the difference and even the type of sheets. Make sure your room is tidy and clutter free, this well help your mind to be clear.

 

Watch your diet

 

It is best to stay away from caffeine, heavy meals and alcohol before bed. These things can give you indigestion and disrupt the quality of your sleep. If you are hungry before bed, then try eating a banana which is good source of carbohydrate to fill you up and increases melatonin (melatonin is the hormone that controls your sleep-wake cycle). A glass of milk is also an option as the tryptophan and calcium in the milk can help you to sleep more soundly.

Turn off your gadgets.

 

It is important to put your phone and gadgets away, at least an hour before bed. The blue light on your screen restrains melatonin, making it more difficult to fall asleep.

 

If you do need to use your phone, then try to avoid doom scrolling (scrolling through social media excessively) or texting/answering emails. Instead use it to listen to calming music.

 

You don’t want your mind to be engaged and over stimulated before trying to fall asleep.

 

Create a bedtime routine

 

Having a bedtime routine can help to relax you before bed and calm your mind. A hot bath before bed can help you to fall asleep more quickly. A bath oil blend, or some drops of a lavender essential oil is also great to aid with this.

 

Chamomile tea is beneficial before bed, because it is a mild sedative and can help to improve your sleep quality.

 

Taking it slow before bed can also help to calm your mind. Reading a book or practising some meditation will be encourage a good night’s sleep.

 

 

Listen to rain sounds

 

According to Better sleep (2022) rain sounds produce ‘pink noise’ which cancels out background noises which could affect your sleep. The sound of rain is a non-threatening sound for your brain and aids in relaxation.

 

Rain sounds can also decrease levels of cortisol (stress hormone) in the body, lower blood pressure and help you to fall asleep much quicker.

 

 

 Book in for regular massages

 

Regular massage, especially with blended aromatherapy oils can help to aid in a restful night’s sleep. Clients also report a better sleep after a hot stone massage.

 

Within the treatment room, I stock products that can also help you to fall asleep such as gels, diffuser blends, oils, and candles.

 

 

 

If you try these helpful tips and stick to them, you will find you are starting to sleep much better. Please be aware to always consult your GP, if you are worried.

 


Follow Me.

Why Train in Beauty or Massage Courses: Unlock a Rewarding Career Path

April 21, 2025
Are you considering a new career or looking to expand your skillset? Training in beauty or massage therapy courses is not only a smart investment in your future, but also opens the door to a flexible, fulfilling, and high-demand profession. Whether you’re a complete beginner or already working in the wellness industry, enrolling in accredited beauty and massage courses can significantly elevate your career prospects. In this blog post, we’ll explore the top reasons why you should train in beauty or massage therapy, the benefits of gaining professional qualifications, and how this path can lead to financial freedom and personal satisfaction. 1. High Demand for Qualified Beauty and Massage Therapists The wellness and self-care industry is booming. More people than ever are investing in treatments like facials, body massage, lymphatic drainage, and holistic therapies to manage stress and improve their appearance and wellbeing. This means there’s a growing demand for skilled and certified professionals in both beauty and massage therapy. By completing an IPHM-accredited beauty or massage course, you position yourself as a trusted and knowledgeable expert that clients can rely on. 2. Flexible Career Opportunities One of the biggest advantages of training in this field is the flexibility it offers. Once qualified, you can choose to: Work in a beauty salon or spa Start your own mobile or home-based business Rent a treatment room in a wellness clinic Offer pop-up services at events or in luxury hotels Travel and work abroad, especially in wellness tourism hotspots Whether you want to work full-time, part-time, or around family commitments, a career in beauty or massage therapy gives you the freedom to create a schedule that suits your lifestyle. 3. Low Start-Up Costs and High Earning Potential Compared to many other industries, the beauty and massage sector has relatively low start-up costs, especially if you begin as a mobile therapist or work from home. Once you’re qualified and have your basic equipment, you can quickly begin earning and even charge premium prices for specialist treatments such as: Lymphatic drainage massage Advanced facial treatments Aromatherapy massage Hot stone massage Infrared detox therapy Specialising in high-demand treatments allows you to stand out in a competitive market and build a loyal client base. 4. Accredited Qualifications Build Trust and Credibility Clients are more likely to book treatments with therapists who hold recognised and accredited qualifications. When you train with an IPHM-accredited academy or an established beauty training provider, you gain a certificate that proves your skills meet industry standards. Accreditation also gives you access to professional insurance, enabling you to work safely and legally while protecting both you and your clients. 5. Personal and Professional Growth Beyond the practical skills, beauty and massage training also boosts your confidence, creativity, and communication skills. You’ll learn how to create a calming environment, connect with clients on a deeper level, and develop a real sense of purpose by helping others feel their best. Plus, there’s always room to grow! You can continue to upskill with advanced beauty courses, specialise in niche treatments, or even go on to teach and train others in the future. 6. Be Your Own Boss Perhaps the most appealing reason to train in beauty or massage therapy is the ability to be your own boss. You set your hours, choose your services, and build a brand that reflects your personality and passion. If you dream of financial independence and running a business you love, this industry offers all the tools and opportunities to make it happen. Ready to Get Started? At Restore Harmony Training Academy, we offer a wide range of fully accredited beauty and massage courses, including: Lymphatic Drainage Massage Training Post Operative Lymphatic Drainage Swedish Massage Hot Stone Massage Facials Aromatherapy Massage Our courses are designed for beginners and experienced therapists alike, with small class sizes, hands-on learning, and expert guidance every step of the way.  Learn more https://www.restoreharmony.co.uk/acreddited-massage-course

Skin Flooding

November 18, 2024
Influencers and video content are rising in popularity across social media sites such as Instagram and Tiktok. So, skincare trends come around quickly. As such, it can be difficult to keep track of what is going on. So, the ‘trending topic’ blog series will keep you up to date with trends to know across the skincare sphere. Next up – Skin Flooding. Here’s what you need to know. What Is Skin Flooding? Skin Flooding, as the name suggests, focuses on maximum hydration and absorption. This flooding is achieved by layering moisture rich products during your routine. The skin flooding process reflects the idea of saturating your skin with hydration step by step, starting from the lightest formulas and moving toward slightly thicker products, to lock the hydration in. Implementing Skin Flooding The secret to effective skin flooding is layering your skincare in the correct order to maximise the skin’s moisture absorption. Step 1: Cleanser Start with a gentle, hydrating cleanser to remove any dirt, oil, or impurities while keeping your skin’s moisture barrier intact. Step 2: Toner Spritz Spritz a lightweight toner, preferably one that includes ingredients that attract water to the skin, as this will act as the base layer of hydration. Step 3: Your Choice of Serum Follow up with a hydrating serum, preferably one that contains beneficial ingredients, like hyaluronic acid. This step is key in trapping water into your skin. If you’re interested in incorporating a serum-based treatment into your skincare routine and want to leave it to the professionals, the new SkinBase Hydro is a great choice. Step 4: Hydrate Seal in all the hydration from the previous steps with a lightweight moisturiser. If you have very dry skin, you can opt for a thicker cream for maximum hydration at this point. A rich, nourishing cream that replenishes skin and restores moisture. Step 5: Daily Protect SPF Finish up with your SPF to protect the skin from damage, and prevent free radical related dryness. Choose an SPF with UVA and UVB protection to help defend the skin against sun damage and pollution, to prevent premature ageing. Microdermabrasion & Skin Flooding To achieve the best results with your Skin Flooding routine, you can have a course of SkinBase Microdermabrasion, to enhance product absorption. The abrasive crystals used during a microdermabrasion treatment unclogs the pores and removes the dead skin from your face. Once these dead cells are gone, and your pores are clear, your skin will be able to absorb your skincare products much better, for maximum hydration.

The Incredible Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Cosmetic Surgery

June 10, 2024
The Incredible Benefits of Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage After Cosmetic Surgery Cosmetic surgery is a significant step towards achieving your desired look, but the journey doesn’t end once you leave the operating table. Recovery is a crucial phase that can significantly impact your final results. One highly recommended post-operative treatment is manual lymphatic drainage (MLD) massage. This specialised massage technique can accelerate healing, reduce discomfort, and enhance the overall outcome of your surgery. If you're in Birmingham, UK, read on to discover why MLD massage should be part of your post-surgery recovery plan. What is Manual Lymphatic Drainage Massage? Manual lymphatic drainage massage is a gentle, therapeutic technique that stimulates the movement of lymph fluids around the body. This helps remove waste and toxins from the tissues, promoting a healthier and faster recovery. The massage uses light to medium pressure and rhythmic strokes to encourage lymph flow and reduce swelling, which is particularly beneficial after cosmetic surgery. 1. Reduction of Swelling and Bruising Swelling and bruising are common after cosmetic surgery. MLD massage helps to reduce these symptoms by stimulating the lymphatic system, which drains excess fluids and reduces inflammation. This can lead to a quicker reduction in swelling and less visible bruising, enhancing your overall recovery experience. 2. Accelerated Healing Process The improved circulation from manual lymphatic drainage massage promotes faster healing. By enhancing lymph flow, the body can more efficiently transport nutrients to tissues and remove waste products. This can lead to quicker recovery times and better surgical outcomes. 3. Pain Management and Relief Post-surgical pain can be daunting, but MLD massage offers a natural way to manage and reduce pain. The gentle techniques used in MLD help to alleviate pressure and discomfort, providing relief from the soreness that often accompanies cosmetic procedures. 4. Improvement in Skin Texture and Appearance MLD massage can significantly improve the texture and appearance of your skin, especially after liposuction where there can be some wrinkling and hardening. MLD promotes better circulation and reducing fluid retention, your skin can heal more evenly and look more refined. This is particularly beneficial for minimising scars and improving skin tone post-surgery. 5. Enhanced Circulation and Detoxification Enhanced circulation is one of the key benefits of MLD massage. By boosting blood flow, the body can deliver essential nutrients more effectively and remove toxins more efficiently. This detoxification process supports overall health and speeds up recovery. 6. Reduction in Scar Tissue Formation MLD massage helps to reduce the formation of scar tissue by ensuring proper fluid drainage and reducing inflammation. This leads to softer, less noticeable scars, contributing to a smoother and more aesthetically pleasing recovery. 7. Boosting the Immune System The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy immune system. By stimulating lymph flow, MLD massage enhances the body’s ability to fight off infections and recover from surgery more efficiently, which is vital during the vulnerable post-operative phase. 8. Psychological Benefits Beyond physical benefits, manual lymphatic drainage massage also offers significant psychological advantages. The relaxing nature of the massage helps to reduce stress and anxiety, promoting a sense of well-being and mental relaxation. This can be incredibly beneficial during recovery, as a positive mindset aids in overall healing. 9. Recommended Frequency and Duration of Sessions For optimal results, it is recommended to start MLD sessions soon after surgery, typically 2-3 times per week, gradually reducing as recovery progresses. Each session usually lasts about an hour, and a qualified therapist can tailor the treatment to your specific needs. 10. Expert Care in Birmingham, UK If you are recovering from cosmetic surgery in Birmingham, and looking for Manual Lymphatic Drainage massage, Restore Harmony is the place to be. I will ensure that you receive safe and effective treatment tailored to your recovery needs. I am fully qualified with positive reviews to guarantee the best care. **FAQs** What is the primary benefit of manual lymphatic drainage massage after cosmetic surgery? The primary benefit is the reduction of swelling and bruising, which accelerates the healing process and enhances the overall recovery experience. How soon after surgery can I start MLD massage? It's typically recommended to start MLD massage within a few days to a week after surgery, depending on your surgeon's advice. How often should I get MLD massage after cosmetic surgery? Initially, 2-3 sessions per week are recommended, gradually decreasing as you heal. Is manual lymphatic drainage massage painful? No, MLD massage uses gentle, light to medium pressure and should not be painful, however it can cause some discomfort. Can MLD massage help with scar reduction? Yes, MLD massage promotes better fluid drainage and reduces inflammation, which can lead to softer, less noticeable scars. Conclusion Manual lymphatic drainage massage is a powerful tool in your post-cosmetic surgery recovery kit. From reducing swelling and bruising to accelerating the healing process and managing pain, MLD massage offers numerous benefits that can enhance your recovery journey. If you are in Birmingham, UK, consider booking a session with Restore Harmony to experience these benefits first-hand. Your body will thank you for it. To find out more about post surgery lymphatic drainage follow this link https://www.restoreharmony.co.uk/postoplymphaticdrainagemassage