Why is Self-Care Important?
When it comes to creating a self-care routine, we can often be stuck on the pampering side of self-care â think long baths and extravagant pedicures. But, as the esmi Skin Specialists know, self-care can happen in the everyday and shouldnât be a treat for when you feel most burnt out. But, why is self-care important? We know it can be easy to let self-care become your lowest priority and sometimes life can get the best of us. We can forget how important self-care is to nurture our physical and emotional health. Keeping this front of mind is essential for overall wellbeing, and With R U OK? Day approaching, the esmi team wants to share some of our favourite self-care suggestions so you can take some time out for you! Put your body first Self-care can be seen as indulgent and selfish, but esmi acknowledges that putting yourself first is essential for physical health. Putting your body first can differ for everybody! Some people love to cuddle up and relax, others might find that moving their body makes them feel best. You may also find you love a bit of both â yoga and matcha anyone? Whatever it is, figuring out what makes your body happy can be a game changer for your self-care routine. Skincare as self-care Once you have relaxed or pumped out a killer sweat sesh, taking care of your skin should be the next step! We may sound biased (and we are) but the stress and busyness of life can impact your skin by causing breakouts, dryness, under-eye circles or serious skin issues to flare up like eczema. Using skincare as self-care on a regular basis will help reduce and repair these skin reactions. So, why not incorporate skincare into a daily self-care ritual? Taking some time before work or after your nightly shower to slow down and apply your skincare intentionally is a great way to relax and one that the esmi team stands by. If youâre unsure what a self-care skin routine should look like try to incorporate products that are gentle on the skin, tailored to your skin type, and make you feel a little luxurious. Remember skincare should be an enjoyable experience and one that allows you to feel nurtured from the outside! Treat yourself or someone else! Self-care for your body and skin is important, but what about the small joys in life? Treating yourself to a colourful lipstick, some beautiful flowers, or a delicious coffee is a great way to add a bit of joy throughout the day. Surprising someone else with something special can also be a great way to make their day and boost your mood with some all-important serotonin. Now, we wouldnât recommend this self-care tactic all time as it can get a little pricey, but when something is getting you down it isnât a crime to simply treat yourself and others! Curate your space Clearing your space of clutter can be a game changer for your mental clarity. Weâve all been guilty of leaving a mess in the house due to a hectic week (especially the esmi team!) but taking time to clean and curate your space can positively affect your emotional wellbeing. You can even take it a step further and add self-care items to your clean space. Maybe a comfy robe, a relaxing essential oil or even a moisturising lip balm. Adding these items to your space can make you feel at ease and ready to love your calming self-care routine. Plan something to look forward to Looking forward to dinner with friends or an exciting holiday can make all the difference when managing any worries. Having something to look forward to can put current struggles into perspective and allow joy into your life when you need it most. Planning these events could even be a form of self-care! Creating a future for yourself that you know will spark happiness can do wonders for your day-to-day mental health and is something we encourage our esmi community to do regularly. Ask for help and accept it when offered All too often we perform our own self-care and neglect the help around us. But the truth is when we need the most self-care it can be wise to ask for help and actually accept it. It is also a great idea (when youâre feeling good) to ask others if they need help also and assist where you can! R U OK? Day is happening on September 8th and esmi stands by the organisation's purpose to encourage others to stay connected and converse with each other when times get tough. Support R U OK? Day here and learn how you can make a difference to someone who is struggling.
How to Feel Confident in Your Own Skin
Achieving real skin confidence is possible. Creating your healthiest skin means taking a holistic approach to nurturing your complexion and boosting your emotional skin positivity. From not comparing yourself to others, stressing less, eating well, and really getting to know your complexion, letâs take a look at how to feel confident in your own skin. Digital detox & de-stress You donât have to spend very long scrolling through social feeds to spot the seemingly perfect skin and flawless bodies of influencers, friends, or total strangers. If youâre constantly comparing yourself to edited and staged posts on social media, it can take a toll on your confidence and distort your body image. Taking a break from social media, or limiting your time on it, gives your mind a break. You cut the comparison anxiety and can focus on feeling confident in your own skin. Stress, in general, takes its toll on your skin too. Ever noticed how you break out or skin conditions - like eczema - flare up when youâre stressed out? Stress causes your adrenal glands to release a surge of the hormone cortisol which can trigger skin issues - particularly acne. Managing stress by prioritising self-care will boost your wellbeing, leaving you feeling happier and more confident in your own skin. Focus on sleep hygiene Sleep - or lack of it - has a dramatic effect on your stress levels and skin. Commit to getting more quality rest by going to bed earlier, ending screen time at least an hour before bed, turning phones to flight mode, and sleeping in a dark bedroom. Taking a short nap during the day can also help manage stress levels. Essentially, the better your sleep schedule, the more confident youâll look and feel. Do something that makes you happy Make time for an activity that boosts your endorphins and makes you smile. A healthy self-care routine allows you to take time out of your day, even if just for 5 minutes, to do something for yourself. Weâve put together some simple, everyday self-care ideas here. Appreciate yourself Press pause on the negative thoughts of your inner critic and take time to appreciate the good things about yourself. Write out a few of your recent accomplishments - no matter how small - or things you like about yourself. You could repeat some positive affirmations or speak a compliment out loud to yourself in the mirror, too. Smile! The simple act of smiling has been shown by studies to improve your mood, lower stress levels, and even boost your immune system. Smiling brightens up your face and makes you look better too. Possibly the quickest way to boost your confidence! Know your skin type to build the right routine Beauty is more than what we see in the mirror. It might be hard, though, to feel confident in your own skin when youâre self-conscious about issues like dryness, acne, and fine lines. A healthy complexion will boost your skin confidence. To nourish your complexion the right way you need to know the best skincare products to treat it. Without knowing what your skin really needs, youâll invest in products that wonât deliver the best results. Your skin struggles will continue and instead of boosting your skin confidence, the anxiety about your skin will continue. Studies have revealed that skin conditions can lower self-confidence, induce anxiety, and even lead to depression. All good skincare routines begin with knowing what skin type you have. Normal Skin âNormalâ is the term used to refer to skin that has a well-balanced sebum and moisture production - itâs not too oily or too dry. Normal skin has refined pores and no visible blemishes, flaky areas or oily spots. Best ingredients for normal skin: Vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), ceramides, fatty acids. Recommended product: esmi Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Dry Skin Dry skin is characterised by a lack of natural sebum - it produces less than other skin types. As a result, skin tends to be rough and flaky looking. Itâs more susceptible to irritation and infection as a lack of moisture means the skinâs protective barrier is weak. Skin can be dull and lack elasticity. Best ingredients for dry skin: Lactic acid, glycolic acid, aloe vera, hyaluronic acid, squalane, Vitamin C + E. Recommended product: esmi 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Oily skin Oily skin produces more sebum than normal and is prone to breakouts, blackheads, and acne. Pores are visibly larger and the skin is shiny. The good news about the oily skin type is it usually has fewer wrinkles. Best ingredients for oily skin: Salicylic acid, hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), aloe vera, activated clay and charcoal, Vitamin C. Recommended product: esmi Anti Redness Minty Green Smoothie Combination skin Just like the name suggests, this skin type is a combination of different skin types. The characteristics of combination skin are an oily, shiny ât-zoneâ with dry, flaking skin in the cheek area. Best ingredients for combination skin: hyaluronic acid, niacinamide (B3), Vitamin C + E, acai oil. Recommended product: esmi Acai Skin Balancing Face Oil Sensitive skin Some of the signs you have sensitive skin include a tendency to flush and become red easily, dry patches, itchy skin, and sensitivity to changes in weather / temperature. Sensitive skin can often occur as a response to using the wrong type of skincare products. Best ingredients for sensitive skin: Lactic acid, provitamin B5, witch hazel, jojoba oil. Recommended product: esmi Hydrating And Nourishing Acai Duo When you know your skin type and how to heal specific issues, you can make more informed product decisions about the right skin treatment routine for you. Commitment to your routine is crucial. Some skin results may take longer to show but donât give up. Your healthiest complexion and real skin confidence are on their way! Eat well for skin confidence We all know the saying - you are what you eat. When it comes to your skin, itâs advice is worth listening to. Diet plays a huge role in how your skin looks and filling your plate up with healthy, wholesome food will help you feel more confident in your own skin. Beta carotene Beta carotene is important for skin tone and skin cell development. Foods high in beta carotene include carrots, sweet potato, pumpkin, peas, broccoli, apricots, dark leafy greens like kale and spinach, red and yellow peppers, and parsley. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids These essential fatty acids have been shown to minimise UV-induced photodamage, extrinsic signs of skin ageing, and inflammatory skin issues. The following foods are good sources of omega 3 fatty acids; salmon, mackerel, oysters, flax seeds, chia seeds, walnuts, seaweed, and edamame beans. Omega 6 fatty acids can be found in whole-grain bread, poultry, eggs, nuts, and pumpkin seeds. Selenium Selenium is a powerful antioxidant. Studies have shown a selenium-rich diet can help fight free radical activity and may protect against UV related skin damage and inflammation. Good sources of selenium include brazil nuts, fish, shellfish, tomatoes, eggs, wheatgerm, and broccoli. When it comes to healthy, supple skin, hydration is key. Make sure youâre drinking plenty of water each day for brighter, more energised looking skin. Including a regular green juice, like celery juice (great for skin!) in the mix will also step up your skinâs nourishment. If you want good skin, cut out or at least reduce the amount of sugar you eat too. Sugar is one of the biggest contributors to inflammation that shows up on your skin as dry patches itchy skin, acne and wrinkles. Cutting down on processed and high-fat foods will also help. Take these simple, actionable skin tips and see your skin confidence soar!
Pregnancy Safe Skincare Ingredients
Expecting a new little arrival? Congratulations! Let us help you navigate safe skincare for pregnant women. This handy guide explains ingredients to avoid and pregnancy approved alternatives. Common pregnancy skin conditions There are some lucky mums-to-be out there that experience the best skin of their lives during pregnancy. Unfortunately, itâs not always the case! You may experience pregnancy-related changes in your skin that are more challenging to deal with. Hormonal acne - Breaking out around the chin and jaw? Acne in these areas can be linked to hormonal changes. Melasma - Sometimes called the âmask of pregnancyâ melasma is hyperpigmentation (skin discolouration) that can appear on your forehead, nose, and cheeks. Dryness - Dryness can make fine lines and wrinkles more pronounced. If you have any pre-existing conditions, like eczema or rosacea, these can get worse during pregnancy. Youâll need to manage these skin concerns while youâre expecting (and during breastfeeding) with skincare products that are safe during pregnancy. Pregnancy skincare â Ingredients to use & avoid Safe skincare for pregnant women means avoiding certain ingredients - a few tweaks to your existing routine might be necessary. Carefully read all the labels on the skincare products youâre currently using. Youâll want to press pause on applying the following ingredients during pregnancy: Avoid: Retinols, or any Vitamin A derivatives (Anti-ageing) Retinol, retin-A, retinoic acid, and tretinoin shouldnât be used if youâre expecting. These anti-ageing ingredients are all derived from Vitamin A, which is an effective vitamin for your skin but is problematic during pregnancy. Excessive amounts of Vitamin A has been found to interfere with fetal development. No matter the amount you include in your routine, the safest approach is to avoid retinol, or any vitamin A derivatives entirely. What are the best anti-ageing pregnancy skincare alternatives? Thankfully, temporarily giving up Vitamin A doesnât have to mean abandoning your anti-ageing routine. Alternative ingredients that are pregnancy safe and offer effective anti-ageing properties are easy to include in your pregnancy skincare routine. You may already be using some! Vitamin C Vitamin C is your antioxidant go-to for a pregnancy skincare routine. An effective all-rounder, it helps repair environmental damage, stimulate collagen synthesis, and brighten skin. Peptides Peptides are a type of protein that helps preserve and boost collagen levels, smooth fine lines, and minimise the appearance of pores. Omega Fatty Acids Omega 3, omega 6 and omega 9 play a role in maintaining youthful, healthy-looking skin. They deliver positive changes in skin hydration, scaling, and roughness. Pregnancy safe products we recommend for an anti-ageing routine: The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Ageing Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum 24K Gold Nourishing Oil Golden Anti-Ageing Serum (evening) Anti-Ageing Repair Gel Booster Mask These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding. AVOID: Salicylic acid (Acne) Salicylic acid is a heavy hitter for treating acne. Its deep exfoliating action clears blocked pores to minimise bacteria and reduce congestion. When it comes to skincare for pregnant women though, itâs not on the âsafeâ list in high doses so itâs best to skip this ingredient entirely. What are the pregnancy safe skincare ingredients to treat acne? Take your pick of pregnancy safe ingredients to manage breakouts while youâre expecting. Lactic acid â A sensitive skin hero, lactic acid is the gentler, yet effective, exfoliator of the acids group. Glycolic acid â Glycolic acid is an exfoliant that naturally occurs in plants including sugar cane and citrus fruits. Fruit enzymes â Enzymes found in some fruits and berries break down keratin proteins attached to dead cells to help target congestion. Bentonite clay and activated charcoal â Detoxify and refine congested skin and help control oil. Polynesian sand â An effective physical exfoliator for oily skin types, Polynesian sand helps to gently unblock pores for clearer skin. Breakout prone skin will also benefit from pregnancy safe skincare products that deliver deep hydration, such as hyaluronic acid and niacinamide (Vitamin B3), and plant-based oils that help regulate sebum production. Pregnancy safe skincare products we recommend for a breakout routine The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Anti-Redness Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Acai Hydrate & Nourish Duo Peppermint Green Oil Anti-Redness Minty Green Smoothie Fresh Sea And Salty Sand facial exfoliant Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding. AVOID: Hydroquinone (Hyperpigmentation) A depigmenting agent, hydroquinone is used to lighten darkened areas of skin by suppressing the formation of melanin in the skin. Research has shown hydroquinone to be problematic during pregnancy, so itâs one to avoid. What are the pregnancy safe skincare ingredients to treat hyperpigmentation? These powerful natural skin lighteners are safe to include in your pregnancy skin care products Vitamin C â Vitamin C helps lighten patches of pigmentation without leaving your skin barrier compromised â no dryness, peeling or flaking as a result. It also gives the complexion a bright, radiant appearance. Kakadu Plum â Kakadu Plum is believed to be the worldâs most potent source of natural Vitamin C making it an excellent ingredient to help diminish the appearance of dark spots. Bearberry â Bearberry Leaf extract is a natural skin lightener that works by helping to reduce melanin production. Liquorice â A powerful brightening antioxidant, liquorice is high in anti-inflammatories â making it great for post-inflammatory pigmentation and redness/scarring after breakouts. Pregnancy safe skincare products we recommend for a hyperpigmentation routine The Uncomplicated Cleanser plus Brightening Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum Pomegranate Brightening Serum Sunrise Skin Energising Acai Duo Bouncy Brightening Silky Booster Mask These products are also safe to use during breastfeeding. Best pregnancy safe skincare brand in Australia Best Pregnancy Safe Skin Care Brand in Australia, before the last line If you have any questions about safe skincare for pregnant women, weâre here to help! Book your free consultation with an esmi Skin Minerals Consultant. Learn more about skincare How To Get Rid of Wrinkles How To Reduce Face Puffiness Before and After Hyaluronic Hydrating Serum The Best Face Mask for Acne Â
How To Detox Your Skin
Now is the perfect opportunity to refresh your skin for the new season! Get our tips on how to detox your skin from the inside out and recommendations for skin detox products from the esmi range. The best skincare ingredients & tips for a skin detox â Use a face mask with bentonite and kaolin clay Bentonite and kaolin are two of the most popular cosmetic clays and youâll usually find them in the best detoxifying face masks. Bentonite clay detoxifies skin by absorbing oils, dirt and toxins which attach themselves to the clay. When the clay is cleansed from the skin, the debris is washed away with it. Kaolin clay acts in the same way but has a more fine-grained texture than bentonite and its absorption properties are milder. Itâs a good choice for normal to dry skin that may find bentonite too strong. Using a clay mask as a step in your skin detox can help aid in the removal of impurities, target acne forming bacteria, and generally leave the skin smoother and softer. We recommend: Soft Skin Refining Charcoal Clay Booster Mask â Include a serum with activated charcoal, a detox powerhouse! Like clay, the molecules of activated charcoal attract toxins, dirt, and chemicals from the skin to be easily washed away. It assists in removing deeper impurities from the skin and unclogging pores. The result is smoother, more clarified skin. If your skin is breaking out even more soon after using a charcoal skincare product, donât worry. Itâs common to experience a âpurgingâ phase as the charcoal draws out impurities from deep within the skin. We recommend: Detoxifying Exfoliating Charcoal Serum â Double cleanse in the evening If youâre not doing it already, double up your cleansing step in the evening. During the day your skin faces environmental aggressors, including air pollution. Toxic nanoparticles from air pollution can actually lodge themselves in the surface of the skin and trigger free radical activity. Free radicals are responsible for a host of skin issues, from dullness to accelerating the signs of premature ageing. Double cleansing skin in the evening is an effective way to detox your skin from pollution particles and other environmental stressors from the day. The first cleanse removes makeup, SPF, and excess oil while the second cleanse clears the skin of any stubborn debris still sticking around. We recommend: The Uncomplicated Cleanser. You may like to follow with The Uncomplicated Cleanser Plus Charcoal as a detoxifying facial cleanser for the second round if youâre dealing with oily skin, breakouts and congestion. â Detox your makeup Treat your skin to a cleaner makeup routine by avoiding cosmetic products that contain formaldehyde-related preservatives. Formaldehyde is a toxic chemical and is linked with common preservatives in cosmetic products including DM hydantoin, phthalates, and oxybenzone. Consider switching to mineral makeup formulations that donât contain irritating preservatives that can cause skin problems. Containing healthy minerals, including skin-friendly silica, mineral makeup also has the added benefit of helping to heal and condition the skin while you wear it. It offers additional SPF protection when teamed with your daily sunscreen and is suitable for all skin types, even sensitive ones. We recommend: The esmi range of mineral foundation, BB cream, and powder. Ideas for detoxing your skin from the inside out Support your detoxifying skin care products with healthy eating and lifestyle choices to truly maximise the benefits of a skin detox. â Sip herbal teas formulated for detoxification Drinking tea can be very beneficial in supporting your skin detox. Choose teas that are formulated with herbs to promote detoxification and keep your body hydrated. Some effective herbs, spices and root plants to consider using in your tea-tox include: Burdock root - Brimming with antioxidants, burdock root provides a host of benefits, including potential skin healing for issues such as acne and psoriasis. Dandelion root - Research has found the properties in dandelion root tea can assist in helping detoxify the liver. Milk thistle - Assists in promoting the regeneration of new healthy cells and supports the cleansing process by removing toxins. Tumeric - With potent antioxidants that fight free radical damage, turmeric can aid liver and skin detoxification when brewed in a tea. Green tea - Another antioxidant powerhouse, drinking green tea makes a detoxifying, skin-supporting swap for your regular latte. â Give yourself a lymphatic face massage When you stimulate the circulation in the lymphatic system through massage, you assist your body in draining fluids and toxins away from your cells for proper elimination. Massage stimulates circulation which encourages an overall improvement in skin tone and brightness. A lymphatic face massage is something simple enough to do yourself at home with your esmi Gua Sha Stone but it's advisable to consult a health practitioner first.  â Experiment with celery juice The humble celery stalk has received a surge in attention recently thanks to its skin healing, anti-inflammatory properties. Itâs also incredibly rich in minerals and hydrating. â Cut out sugar Eliminating sugary foods from your plate for a time is detox 101! Depending on how much sugar you usually eat, it could be a shock to the system. Itâs common to experience withdrawal symptoms so your best approach could be to ease into a sugar detox slowly. â Drink plenty of water During a skin detox stepping up your water intake is key. Sip plain water, water flavoured with herbs and fruit pieces, or alternate with glasses of coconut water for a natural electrolyte boost. None of the suggestions above should be taken as medical advice. We encourage you to consult with your medical or holistic practitioner to choose a skin cleanse diet or approach thatâs right for you. Â
Makeup Cartel & Baby Give Back
Here at Makeup Cartel, we understand our fortunate position to be able to give back to our community, so we take the opportunity whenever we can! Baby Give Back provides invaluable support for families in crisis, who are unable to provide the essentials for their children, including families that have been hit by natural disasters and personal tragedies who need a helping hand. âOur team works tirelessly to ensure that vulnerable babies and children have an equal start to life.â Their team of 300+ volunteers collect donations of key items like nappies, cots, wipes, prams - everything we take for granted. Being a smaller organisation, every little bit goes directly to the families in need and the demand is growing each and every month. We have been working with the incredible team at Baby Give Back since 2019 and have supported them through a range of initiatives and fundraising events. Care Packs to Mums in Need We have been able to donate care packs full of esmi products to mums who cannot always afford skincare. While this may seem like a luxury, giving mothers in need necessities like body wash and sunscreen, as well as skincare, provides a sense of normalcy and an opportunity for a moment of self care. After all, we cannot pour from an empty cup! We have even had the honour of presenting care packs directly to mothers in need. Being able to hear their stories is always such a strong reminder of why we do what we do, if you are able to assist those around you, it is such a rewarding experience to do so. Natural Disaster Donations During previous flooding events, Makeup Cartel HQ became a donation hub, where locals could donate items that would be passed onto Baby Give Back. Weâre so proud of our community who have always come out in force, donating nappies, wipes, childrenâs clothing, toys, books and everything in between. High Tea Sponsorships As part of their fundraising initiatives, Baby Give Back hosts annual high teas which we are honoured to sponsor. They are such enriching days where we are surrounded by incredibly inspiring members of the community, passionate about providing for children in need. We create gift bags for all attendees, many of whom are those Baby Give Back has directly assisted, packed with our luxe skincare. Social Media Support Our close relationship with Baby Give Back means they are able to alert us when stock of particular donations are low. Thatâs when we make the call out to the Makeup Cartel community who generously come together and donate in droves. It is moments like these that remind us how much we adore our customers - yes, that means you! We are so excited to continue to support Baby Give Back for many years to come. If you want to contribute to their incredible work, head to their donations page here.
10 Things You Canât Live Without
What does this look like for you? Okay, weâve all pondered it. Youâre stuck on a deserted island. And can only have with you, a few essential items. No wifi. No laptop. No phone. No Instagram⌠wait⌠if I eat something and donât share a photo of it, did it really even happen?!   Okay, so weâre slightly exaggerating with that last one!  But when you think of 20 things you couldnât live without⌠What are they? Hereâs our list - bearing in mind we are collating this with a #livingyourbestlife vibe, not a #winnerofsurvivor vibe. We might not NEED these to survive an apocalypse, but theyâre definitely in this day and age version of âthings we canât live withoutâ. 1. Skincare #bestfaceforward  While water would be our number one SURVIVAL item for the âdeserted islandâ scenario, this list is more aligned with the âdaily lifeâ scenario, so skincare is AT THE TOP! A solid skincare routine using products that will feed your skin the nutrients it needs are absolute âcannot live withoutâ items. Grab one of our skin treats and see for yourself! 2. Clean water + good food It doesnât need to be water from a spring in the Swiss Alps or cuisine from the fanciest restaurant in town, but food and water will ALWAYS be a necessity! And even better if it looks super cute on your Insta feed right?! #gramgamestrong 3. Phone Whether itâs to call a loved one, communicate with your kids to know they're safe, check in on a friend or update your social media account. I think weâd all consider our phones to be a pretty important thing to have these days. And with the beauty of the internet in your pocket, you have endless possibilities of things to find, people to meet and community engagement to access. Letâs just all be mindful to use it for the benefit of others. 4. Coffeeee! Liquid gold. The good stuff.  If you can live without, you go glen coco. Maybe youâre a tea drinker? Green Tea Matcha? Whatever your choice of beverage⌠who can imagine a life without them?!   5. Clothes We donât know about you, but nothing worse than being caught on your daily commute to work, butt naked in the middle of the train right?!  I mean, really this one is for the benefit of those around you. And with fashion forever evolving (or going back to the â90s, YUSSS!) how fun that we can all dress in our own way. 6. The beach Now weâre getting into those things that just make life BETTER. How good is the feeling after a long day at work, or a day cooped up studying or with a house full of over-energetic kids, to just go and walk along the sand and to look out at the beautiful ocean around us? Bliss. 7. Books A book can be so powerful. Each one merely words set out on pages, bound together to form a book, but each with such a unique purpose. Some allow you to study and complete your degree. Some help advance and further your career. Some might teach you a new skill or guide you to learn a new way of life. Maybe it feeds your soul and teaches you about your religion. Or perhaps it is used to inspire you, as it journeyâs through the life of somebody else. And our personal favourite, the books that entertain you with their multi-layered fictional characters and unfolding story. 8. Company Okay, so this is not a âthingâ. But have you ever tried to live your life without ANYONEâS company? No human contact (as weâve learnt throughout this pandemic) is certainly not the ideal. Even introverts who love their own space, would need at least small amounts of human contact and company. So it deserved a spot on our list. 9. Screens Again, weâre not talking about survival here. Weâre talking about what are those everyday things that we canât live without (anymore!) And although screens get a bad rap because they can be used too much, a balanced amount is healthy. Your laptop? Can allow you to work from wherever while looking after family or travelling around the country making memories. All the while being able to provide for your family. On the computer! This is where the next inventions in the tech world are created! Your living room TV can provide the family with the movie we all sit to watch together with a shared blanket and giant bowl of popcorn. And who doesnât love sitting in a movie theatre with an oversized slushy and 2 hours of purposed chill out time?!  10. Music There have been studies done that show the physical and psychological benefits of what music does for living beings. Have you ever watched a movie or TV and show and imagine what it would be like without the music in the background? Weird! Imagine Christmas time without Christmas carols? Playing it in the car on the long road trip to visit the in-laws, having it on in the background of your dinner party, experiencing it live as people play the instruments in front of you or even jumping up and down at a concert! #groupie Most religions even use music as a form of worship, powerful. This is some of our things we canât imagine life without. What are some of yours?Â
