Day-to-day

6 a.m. Take the stillness of the morning to meditate or do some yoga. Poses such as Bow Pose, Downward Dog, and spinal twists help balance. Maybe go for a walk if you have time. This is the time for excercise. This will help reduce stress that can take a toll on your skin. A tranquil state of mind goes hand in hand with a clear complexion.

7 a.m. Spend an hour or two luxuriating on yourself each day. On Saturday, focus on your skin and body; on Sunday treat the hair, hands, and feet. Scrub away dead skin everyday. Shower and exfoliate to remove dead cells that stand between you and polished skin. We like, at the moment, pink sugar body scrub, because it leaves your skin irresistably soft and with a slightly, never overwhelming, sweet sugary sent. Saturday: Face and Body. Body scrub improves circulation and help tone slack muscles. In a large bowl, combine 1 cup oat or chickpea (garbanzo) flour, 1/2 teaspoon ground turmeric, 2 tablespoons each ground mustard and crushed fresh coriander leaves, 3 tablespoons rose water, 1 cup orange juice, and 1/2 cup water; stir to blend. Work the scrub all over your face and body. Rinse with warm water. Herbal Steam This is a great treatment to eliminate toxins. Steam your face over a bowl of hot water combined with a handful each of fresh cilantro and basil leaves, steaming for about 10 minutes. Hold your face at least 12 inches above the water and tent your head and the bowl with a towel to prevent the steam from escaping. Pat your face dry and splash with tepid water to refresh the skin. Discard the herbs. To purify the rest of the body, run a hot shower to fill the room with steam, and relax in the steam for seven to 10 minutes. Lepa Mask"Lepa" translates as "medicinal plaster." This mask absorbs impurities. In a large bowl, combine 2 teaspoons each sandalwood powder, natural clay powder (available at natural-foods stores), a pinch of ground turmeric, 1 teaspoon neem oil, and 1/4 cup fresh orange juice. Mix thoroughly and apply all over the face and neck, avoiding the eyes. Leave the mask on for about 15 minutes. Rinse with warm water. Moisturizer Aloe is an ideal ingredient in pitta-balancing skin treatments because it provides light moisture and creates a wonderful soothing sensation. Massage your face and body with aloe vera gel to soften and refresh your skin. Sunday Coconut and Flower Hair Oil Oiling your hair is the most important part of Ayurvedic hair care. It conditions the hair and scalp and promotes relaxation. Prepare the oil the night before by bringing 1/2 cup coconut oil to a boil. Add 2 tablespoons rose water and 1/2 cup mixed fresh flower petals such as rose or jasmine. Return to a boil and cook for 3 minutes. Remove from the heat. Let the flowers steep in the oil overnight, then strain the oil through a coffee filter or double layer of cheesecloth into an airtight container. To oil your hair, gently massage four to five tablespoons of the oil onto the crown of your head and into your scalp. Wrap hair in a towel and allow the oils to penetrate for at least 20 minutes. Shampoo and rinse as usual. Nourishing Hair Mask A protein-rich mask helps to strengthen hair. In a medium-sized bowl, thoroughly combine 1/2 cup yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1 egg. Apply the mixture to your scalp after oiling and cleansing. Leave the mask on for about 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with warm water. Hand and Foot TreatmentTo soften rough hands and feet, start by gently massaging them with a loofah or rough hand towel. Next, soak them in a tub of warm water infused with a few drops of sandalwood, rose, neem, or jasmine oils. Use a pumice stone to soften rough areas on the feet. To moisturize, make a solution of 1 teaspoon neem oil and 2 tablespoons coconut oil and massage into both hands and feet, focusing on the heels, soles, ankles, between the toes and fingers, wrists, and palms. Rinse with the juice of one lemon diluted in 1 cup warm water. Dry off with a soft, fluffy towel. 8 a.m. Eat your way to naturally beautiful skin. -A large bowl of fruit salad with a tall glass of freshly squeezed orange juice. This meal will help your body get rid of accumulated toxins. If you find orange juice too acidic, you may substitute herbal tea or any other fresh fruit juice of the season. Your skin need that initial dose of real nutrients. -A blended fruit smoothie in place of the fruit salad. In a blender, combine a large banana with 1/2 cup of your choice of seasonal fresh fruits and 1/2 cup of water to thin it out. -Get omega-3 fats from flax seeds in your granola. They will help keep your skin hydrated. -Load up on cell-renewing Vitamin A, which can be found in milkand eggs. -Whole-grain cereal contains Vitamin E that helps protect cell membranes. -Eat fruits for an all-natural way to keep your skin smooth, vibrant, and young. For example, the Vitamin C in a juicy orange can help to build collagen, while the sweet cantaloupe banishes dry skin. 9a.m. Weekdays: Once at work, [or School], drink two 8 oz. glasses of water. Make it a habit to hydrate after any traveling, even if it’s a 15-minute commute. Sounds like a no-brainer but water can actually add moisture to your skin, giving you the coveted dewy look. Weekends spend the late part of the morning as you like -- reading an interesting book, listening to music, writing in your journal, gardening, painting. The choices are endless. It is important, though, to spend time unwinding and doing what you want rather than what you think you should do. 10 a.m. Take a breath break. Oxygenating the blood does wonders for your skin. “Most people only fill about 20 percent their lung capacity with oxygen”, says Mather. You’re suffocating and don’t even know it! Take 5 minutes to just breathe. Bonus points if you can leave the office.

11 a.m. Do a little dance… Stand up, stretch, twist, bend over, take a walk around the office – keep that body movin’ to boost blood flow and circulation. Try seated spinal twists and forward fold to unwind a stiff back. Move enough and you might even get a rose blush, making you irresistible to the copy boy. 12 p.m. Drink H²O for a dewy complexion. You are ready for lunch but your inbox is overflowing with urgent messages. Drink two more glasses of water to flush out toxins from the body. You’ll be half way to the eight glasses a day. 1 p.m. Like your breakfast menu, lunch should include whole foods, not processed entrees. Enjoy a leafy green salad with antioxidant sprouting spinach that will fight inflammation a.k.a. pimples. After your morning yoga and spa therapies, enjoy a large raw salad made with fresh seasonal green vegetables such as cucumber, celery, and sprouts. Choose balancing herbs and spices like cilantro and basil to add flavor. Eat your lunch slowly and mindfully, focusing on the flavors and textures of the ingredients. To unlock your mind, reflect on the view from your window, or even the sight of indoor plants and flowers, while you eat.

3 p.m. Instead of heading for the vending machine to calm those afternoon cravings, pour a cup of green tea. Studies have shown that topical application of green tea reduces sun damage and helps keep the skin looking youthful. That said, you might have to drink cup after cup to get the same benefits. However, if you’re home during the day, freeze freshly brewed tea as ice cubes, once they thaw a bit (you don’t want it sticking to your skin) apply on face as toner – we guarantee that you’ll feel refreshed instantly.

4 p.m. Contact a loved one. A daily dose of an emotional or spiritual connection will nourish your spirit, and in turn, nourish your face because any frowning will be substituted by calm and smiles.

5 p.m. Drink two more glasses of water, especially if you’re getting ready for a commute home.

6 p.m. Stop by a yoga class. Annelise Hagen starts her book by saying, “The face of a yogic sage is marvelous to behold: beaming, joyful, bright-eyed, full of love and compassion…and noticeably unlined.” She believes that facial exercises can stretch and tone facial muscles, while deep breathing transforms energy — providing a remedy for aging.

7 p.m. Go Green for your skin At dinner make sure to include a second serving of dark leafy greens such as kale, broccoli rabe, collards, mustard greens or chard to help detoxify the blood.

8 p.m. A mini-spa treatment goes a long way Take 20 minutes to unwind. Rest is important to calm the mind and allow the physical body to deal with fatigue. After eating, take some quiet time to listen to music, read, or take a short nap. If you are tired but cannot fall asleep, then simply rest your mind and body by lying down and emptying your mind of thoughts.

9 p.m. Drink two more glasses of water. You’ve imbibed the recommended eight.

10 p.m. As you’re getting ready for bed, relax with a hot towel rub. Wet a washcloth with warm water, wring out and lightly rub your face, neck, and body. This gentle mini-spa treatment feels great, allowing you to bask in a quality touch that’s often missing from our lives. ExerciseYour retreat will be enhanced by a brisk walk, preferably in the open air so you can breathe fresh oxygen directly into your lungs. Stay conscious of good posture, and warm up by starting out at a slow pace then building to a brisk pace. Keep your chest out, swing your arms wide, and breathe through your mouth. Walk for 20 to 30 minutes. If you prefer, swimming is also a good exercise for balancing pitta.Digestive Meditation and CareThis is an ideal time to tune in to and become familiar with your digestive system. Place your hands first on your stomach and become aware of any slight movements, feelings, or sounds. Do the same with your small intestines in your midriff area and then with the area under your navel. Mentally prepare for your next meal by noticing whether you are hungry or not. Resolve to eat only as much as you need to fill three-quarters of your stomach (this typically translates to about as much food as will fit into both your cupped hands). Using a little bit of oil, massage your stomach in round circles, moving clockwise. This will help you digest the last meal and prepare your body for the next.DinnerDinner during the retreat should consist of steamed vegetables. As with lunch, use fresh, green seasonal vegetables -- the greener the better. For extra flavor, add fresh herbs such as rosemary, basil, parsley, and sage, or pine nuts, sesame seeds, or pumpkin seeds. As with lunch, eat slowly and mindfully, which will allow for complete digestion. An hour or so after dinner, enjoy an herbal tea.Bath and BedtimeRun a bath prepared with ingredients to balance pitta -- rose, neem, jasmine, basil. You may use fresh or dried leaves and herbs; bundle a handful of ingredients in a piece of muslin cloth to make a tea bag for your tub. Or, if you prefer, add a few drops of essential oils directly to the bathwater. If you like, use candles, fresh flowers, and music to aid relaxation. As you soak in the bath, close your eyes and breathe deeply, releasing tension with each exhalation. Keep yourself warm after the bath and go to bed, relaxed and at peace.
10 p.m.Sleep. We’ve all heard of beauty sleep, but a good shuteye will not only rest your bones, but also provide an opportunity to repair the body. While you’re off in la-la-land, your cells busy themselves with cleaning and regenerating – deny this maintenance and forget about radiance in the morning.