For many with whom I’ve had lengthy conversations, one of the biggest struggles of dealing with this pandemic over the past year has been creating a feasible daily schedule. Most adults can manage their time, but usually because the schedule is partially organized for them. Now, we’re all over the place.
As someone who’s worked from home most of her career and am now comfortable (and relishes) the fluidity of this schedule, I still struggled. So I started reading Laura Vanderkam’s 168 Hours where the first exercise is to see where your time actually goes.
image c/o lauravanderkam.com
After a year of trial and error, I’ve come up with one rule that I can actually follow: be ready by 10am.
My One Beauty Rule
Some days, that means I’ve worked out, walked my dogs, showered, washed and blow-dried my hair, am dressed in real clothes, and have on a full face of makeup.
But most days, like today, it means I did my “Next-to-Nothing” makeup in about 3 minutes (see below), was in my workout gear (even though I wouldn’t work out for hours), got covered in mud while walking my dogs (which didn’t matter because I had to bathe them anyway so I just changed my yoga pants), and simultaneously balanced 2 jobs and housework.
Also - let’s remember this is all due to the pandemic. When I worked in an office I needed to be en route at 7:20 am; even when I worked from home my husband was on the road by 7am, and I just got up with him and started my day then. I’m sure dealing with adjustments all around, too.
Why 10am?
It all revolves around the shower. There are certain things that have to get done before we get ready, like working out, that would render our efforts useless. By giving ourselves a hard deadline, we have to be more accountable to our priorities.
For example, I have a 9am meeting tomorrow, and I want to look presentable. With my self-imposed rule, this means I have to be ready to go by 9am - which means if I want to work out, wash my hair, and do my makeup before this I need to wake up at a certain time. Otherwise, I need to structure my day so I can work out then shower in the evening.
Why Wear Makeup Every Day?
Putting on a little makeup makes me feel confident, beautiful, and awake. If you haven’t heard before, I like to look good in case I run into my enemies or my favorite band (Hanson, duh).
But it’s also a matter of respect, both to myself and to others. If I take just a few minutes to comb my hair, put on a coordinating outfit (even if it’s workout clothes), and toss on some concealer, eyeliner and mascara, I can get through the day with my chin a little higher and more open to helping others.
You can’t pour from an empty cup. And if some blush gives you the confidence to wink at yourself while catching your reflection, do it.
The Electra Lane Solution
The Electra Lane Solution is coming soon, and it’s a three-phase educational experience that solves all your makeup problems. It’s based in my many years of experience showing that we need to be able to master three makeup looks on our own, and one of them is what I referred to above: the Next-to-Nothing, a sub-five minute look that only addresses what you want to enhance. If my “normal” makeup is and entree, this is just a lil snack.
While I have many versions, here’s one that’s on heavy rotation. I hope you’ll give it a try! Also, for more info on The Electra Lane Solution, make sure you’re signed up for my once-per-month beauty “magazine” of sorts - sign up under the tutorial.
-JY