Elevating Well-being Through Self-Care by Dr. Carlota Neto

Hello, dear Rocca readers,

This Cláudia, your founder.

I invited Dr. Carlota Neto, an aesthetic doctor & wellness advocate, to join and guide us on self care as we move into this reflective time of year. With November’s arrival, we’re reminded that the year’s end is near and as I've mentioned in my previous article, it's the perfect time to slow down, take stock, and begin to look inward. The crisp air, shorter days, and cozy nights invite us to care for ourselves in a deeper, more intentional way. It’s not just about resolutions or goal setting; it’s about preparing ourselves, body and mind, to feel grounded and renewed as we enter a new year.

Today’s journal post is dedicated to something we often overlook during the holiday rush: the art of nurturing ourselves from the inside out - self-care. Real, sustainable self-care isn’t about rigid plans; it’s about creating simple, meaningful rituals that give us peace and resilience, even amid life’s demands.

As a doctor who has traveled and trained worldwide - from Japan, where she learned the wisdom of ancient, calming techniques, to Europe’s best practices in holistic wellness - she’s here to help you rediscover balance and inner calm. This is the perfect season to embrace a gentle, introspective approach to well-being, rooted in self-kindness. So, let’s dive into some practices and insights that will guide us to a healthier, more centered start to the new year.

Elevating Well-being Through Self-Care by Dr. Carlota Neto

My Ethos: Self-Care is Essential for Well-Being

In today’s fast-paced world, self-care is essential not only for physical health but for mental and emotional well-being. I embrace a holistic approach to wellness - Self-care, to me, is far more than skincare; it’s a practice of nourishing both body and mind. By dedicating time to oneself, we can create a sense of well-being that positively influences every part of life. Self-care isn’t a luxury or a trend - it’s a necessity. Research, as well as teachings from experts, reveals how critical it is to manage stress and nurture ourselves. From sleep quality to gut health and mental clarity, simple self-care practices offer enormous benefits. Here is some advice on how to incorporate self-care into your daily life:

-Set boundaries

- Learning to say no can be key to finding more time for self-care; saying no without guilt to unnecessary obligations frees up time for what truly matters;

-Breath mindfully: a few moments of mindful breathing can reduce stress and recenter you;

-Silent Contemplation: meditation harmonizes body and mind, reduces anxiety, and teaches the value of simplicity;

-Stick to a sleeping schedule: quality sleep rejuvenates the body, reduces stress, and enhances mental clarity;

-Connect: engage genuinely with others; feeling connected improve mood and reduces stress;

-Notice: appreciate simple joys; practicing gratitude can profoundly improve outlook and health;

-Keep learning: embrace new experiences; life-long learning boosts resilience and motivation;

-Be Active: physical activity is essential for mental clarity, mood, and overall wellness;

-Check-in with yourself: take time each day to check in - ask yourself, “How am I feeling? What does my body need?”;

-Spend time in nature: one of the simplest and most effective forms of self-care - a walk in the woods, the scent of pine, or the sound of leaves rustling can soothe the mind and body, reducing stress and restoring energy;

-Create a simple skincare routine:  here’s a minimalist guide to anti-aging skincare to help you build a foundation

Am routine - cleanse, apply an antioxidant serum, moisturize, and finish with sunscreen;

Pm routine: cleanse and apply a retinoid; by establishing these basic steps, you’re not only caring for your skin but also setting the stage for a lasting self-care ritual;-

- Book a full-body massage or a facial: an act of self-love. Self-care is not about following trends but about establishing habits that support long-term health. True self-care means listening to oneself without guilt.

By incorporating small, consistent practices - such as nourishing sleep, thoughtful eating, and regular movement — self-care becomes a lifestyle.

Self-care aligning with Active Well-Being Collaborating with The Rocca Club aligns naturally with our mission, as we share the same values around the importance of nurturing the body and mind. Just as activewear supports movement and fitness, the treatments at Nordic Face Clinic support relaxation, balance, and rejuvenation. Together, we encourage and aim to inspire other to lead a lifestyle where self-care is a regular practice, empowering people to live fully, with less stress and tension.

Wellness at Nordic Face Clinic, Quinta do Lago

Our services, from facial lymphatic drainage to customized relaxation techniques, are designed to rejuvenate, relax, and reset. Time and again, clients tell me how revitalized they feel after each session, and it’s not just about the treatment - it’s the permission they’ve given themselves to pause, breathe, and prioritize their health. Our wellness treatments are tailored to promote relaxation, release tension, and improve overall well-being. For example, Face Pilates works to relieve stress in the face, neck, and shoulders, while our lymphatic drainage facial helps reduce puffiness and enhances circulation, leaving you with a sense of calm and plumped skin. These treatments help clients feel physically and mentally recharged which is key to self-care.

Self-care is about addressing not only the body’s needs but also the emotional and mental layers that influence our overall health. By investing in these experiences, our clients prioritize self awareness and deeper healing, which supports long-term well-being. I wish you a beautiful journey into self-care. May you discover a renewed sense of balance, joy, and well-being as you nurture yourself each day.

Remember, self-care isn’t just an act - it’s a commitment to honoring yourself and creating space for what truly matters.

Dr.Carlota Ladeira Neto Facial Aesthetics & Wellness