Hydration
‘Tis that glorious time of year here in the Pacific Northwest in western Washington, where the rain is constant and everything is oh-so-sopping wet. This is the point of the year where I start to lose it. I comfort myself with the thought that I am in this glorious part of the earth and its ecosystem is that almost of a rainforest. I imagine birds, vibrant colors, animals, exotic plants, and humidity (not too far off from reality, really). Then I take pride in the fact. I throw on my Patagonia and head out into it and embrace all of its wet parts by keeping on, keeping on. Nature is awakening all around, including myself, as though I have been in a long deep sleep awaiting the sunlight to perk up my senses. Although there is so much water around us, it has occurred to me more than once that it doesn’t also mean that there is enough water inside of us. I’m talking about hydration—that magical life force that is so easy to take for granted.
FULL BLOOM
In the deep of winter and all the way into spring, I start to notice that my skin is pretty dry. My hands start to crack because I am always in the kitchen and constantly washing them. (You’re welcome.) Then I remember; I have not drunk enough water, nor applied enough face cream to combat these elements. I begin the usual remedies to find out that they work if I do them. Though hydrating enough internally won’t mean that you don’t need to moisturize topically, I have found it does mean that I will feel better in general, and I will have a healthier glow about me both inside and out, and an over-all sunnier disposition.
SIP + SOAK
A good day strategy that works for me, and a fail-proof turnaround of an already trying day, is a steamy warm bath of Epsom salts and a cozy mug of golden milk. Warm, foamy organic almond milk, Assam tea, turmeric and local wild flower honey. I love to drink my nutrition. So cozy up, draw a bath, slather up that moisturizer and enjoy a frothy hydrating mug of golden milk and embrace that Hygge life — remember that April showers always bring May flowers. And if making your own is too much, just buy one at a sweet little local shop in Bellingham named SAKU tea.
GOLDEN MILK RECIPE
- 2 cups of almond milk
- 1 tsp. dried or fresh turmeric
- 1 tsp. dried or fresh ginger
- 1 small pinch of pepper 1 tsp. honey
DIRECTIONS
- Simmer and whisk until bubbly.
- Turn off heat, cover and allow to sit for 10 minutes (this stage is important — it allows the bitter taste to disappear).
- If you have this nifty little machine it’s even easier: Breville Cafe Milk Frother.
Like the recipe? See our Health Section for more!
