8 ASCP Skin Deep January/February 2021
You Deserve Some TLC
A STUDY BY THE UNIVERSITY OF California, San
Francisco found that people consciously aware of the
vistas and objects around them on a walk—which
the researchers dubbed "awe walks"—reported being
more hopeful and upbeat than walkers who did not.
This study resonated with me. I am fortunate to
live in a wooded area surrounded by forest, so I get to
enjoy lots of awe walks, and I consider them part of
my self-care routine.
The idea of self-care is a hot topic, as it should
be. With the world as it is (as I write this, confirmed
COVID-19 cases are averaging more than 100,000 a
day, some businesses are closing again, and, because
I live with two high-risk people, I've barely left my
home since March), taking care of ourselves must be
a priority. Beyond daily walks, I've discovered that
meditation, reading for pleasure, and caring for my
"pandemic puppy" help ease my stress and anxiety.
I hope you're taking care of yourselves too. Self-
care is not selfish or indulgent. Your professional
life revolves around caring for others, and you
simply can't do that every day unless you are healthy
and happy. And no, you're not too busy. Even a few
minutes stretching, walking, or simply being still
and quiet can make all the difference. Turn to page
25 to see how other esties are practicing self-care.
Nicholas A. Christakis, a physician and professor
of social and natural science at Yale University,
believes that our lives will not be back to pre-COVID
normalcy until 2024—then, he said, we would be
celebrating like it was the roaring '20s. That sounds
like fun, but we have a long way to go until then.
Let's be kind to ourselves in the meantime.
Wishing you health, happiness, and a little TLC.
FROM THE EDITOR
Mary Barthelme Abel
Editor
mabel@ascpskincare.com
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