Wellness is a key: Looking after yourself is a sure-fire way to business success, says Maria Dowling
This month, my column is looking at a slightly different side of the salon business. As a salon owner, I’m becoming increasingly conscious of the importance of wellness in the beauty industry. When I say wellness, we are well aware of the importance of wellness for our clients. Making them look and feel beautiful when they leave the salon is our daily objective. Why? Because we understand the importance of looking good and feeling good. Yet how many of us practice what we preach?
Here are my five (often obvious but essential) tips for making sure you’re productive, motivated and most importantly, happy, for the remainder of 2018 and beyond.
“Me-time” is not a myth…really!
My “me time” is my morning walk along the beach with my friends before work. It allows me to breathe, think and have a different perspective on my business, with help from my friends and confidantes. Seeing the sunrise on the beach is my very favourite place to be and, well, makes me happy. If exercise isn’t your thing, some people like to meditate, read, paint and even knit.
Get enough rest and sleep
There’s increasing evidence that sleep deprivation has many harmful physical and mental effects and those of us who run a business are particularly susceptible to overworking and under sleeping. Research has proven that getting six or more hours sleep a night will improve your learning and memory as well as your ability to problem solve more efficiently.
Eat clean and well
As the saying goes “we are what we eat” and we all know that if we consume fast and processed foods, our bodies will feel lethargic, bloated and uncomfortable. When we are physically feeling terrible, our productivity and ability to lead diminishes and eventually we’re going to get ill. Eating clean and being mindful of what we put in our body will show in every area of our being.
Take up tennis
OK, so not everyone enjoys tennis, or sport for that matter. My point is this: we all need to have something in our lives besides work. Most common is exercise and sport. It helps us become stronger, both physically and mentally, as well as releasing those wonderful endorphins, or happy hormones as I call them! Exercise is a big stress reliever and helps us increase our passion for life and generally become a happier person.
Have a holidays
Ariana Huffington, keynote speaker and founder of the Huffington Post, has told us to remember that “the human operating system is not a machine”. Taking a break, whether it’s half a day or two weeks, is essential to your wellbeing. If you don’t have a team who is experienced and capable enough to run things for a short while in your absence, you have to ask yourself, do you have the right team? So, what are you waiting for? Book that inspiring, relaxing and rejuvenating mini-break now!
Maria Dowling is creative director at award winning mariadowling salon and has been a colourist for more than 20 years.
For more information call: +971 4 345 4225
Follow mariadowling on Instagram @mariadowlingdubai
This month, my column is looking at a slightly different side of the salon business. As a salon owner, I’m becoming increasingly conscious of the importance of wellness in the beauty industry. When I say wellness, we are well aware of the importance of wellness for our clients. Making them look and feel beautiful when they leave the salon is our daily objective. Why? Because we understand the importance of looking good and feeling good. Yet how many of us practice what we preach?
Here are my five (often obvious but essential) tips for making sure you’re productive, motivated and most importantly, happy, for the remainder of 2018 and beyond.
“Me-time” is not a myth…really!
My “me time” is my morning walk along the beach with my friends before work. It allows me to breathe, think and have a different perspective on my business, with help from my friends and confidantes. Seeing the sunrise on the beach is my very favourite place to be and, well, makes me happy. If exercise isn’t your thing, some people like to meditate, read, paint and even knit.
Get enough rest and sleep
There’s increasing evidence that sleep deprivation has many harmful physical and mental effects and those of us who run a business are particularly susceptible to overworking and under sleeping. Research has proven that getting six or more hours sleep a night will improve your learning and memory as well as your ability to problem solve more efficiently.
Eat clean and well
As the saying goes “we are what we eat” and we all know that if we consume fast and processed foods, our bodies will feel lethargic, bloated and uncomfortable. When we are physically feeling terrible, our productivity and ability to lead diminishes and eventually we’re going to get ill. Eating clean and being mindful of what we put in our body will show in every area of our being.
Take up tennis
OK, so not everyone enjoys tennis, or sport for that matter. My point is this: we all need to have something in our lives besides work. Most common is exercise and sport. It helps us become stronger, both physically and mentally, as well as releasing those wonderful endorphins, or happy hormones as I call them! Exercise is a big stress reliever and helps us increase our passion for life and generally become a happier person.
Have a holidays
Ariana Huffington, keynote speaker and founder of the Huffington Post, has told us to remember that “the human operating system is not a machine”. Taking a break, whether it’s half a day or two weeks, is essential to your wellbeing. If you don’t have a team who is experienced and capable enough to run things for a short while in your absence, you have to ask yourself, do you have the right team? So, what are you waiting for? Book that inspiring, relaxing and rejuvenating mini-break now!
Maria Dowling is creative director at award winning mariadowling salon and has been a colourist for more than 20 years.
For more information call: +971 4 345 4225
Follow mariadowling on Instagram @mariadowlingdubai
