If you have ever woken up in the morning and seen a Michelin man staring back at you from the mirror, I feel you — I have been (and occasionally still am) there too. A puffy face, swollen eyes, and that overall bloated feeling can be a real drag. But fear not, fellow sufferer — swelling isn’t a life sentence and can be managed. I have tried a bunch of remedies and am here to share what has actually worked.

As you’re reading this column, you most likely don’t need an introduction to the issue, but still, let’s clarify what swelling is. Essentially, it is the buildup of excess fluid in the tissues. But what causes it? Here is where things get tricky as swelling can result either from certain medical conditions or numerous external factors. So, if you’re concerned about it being persistent, it is wise to consult a healthcare professional. If the problem is not health-related, then taking a closer look at your lifestyle and habits might help.

Just a heads-up: the tips I am sharing come from my personal experience and may not work for everyone, so be sure to consult a doctor before trying out any new practices. Now that we have got the basics covered, let’s dive into solutions that made a difference for me.

Remember eating something salty and then drinking triple as much water as normally? This is the scenario I try to avoid by any means as electrolyte disbalance is a highway to swelling. Your body gets used to the amounts of salt and liquids that you consume, and once they suddenly start jumping up and down, it can’t keep pace and readjust immediately. 

The same thing happens when you sweat — for instance, in summer or during workouts. The moisture leaves the body faster, so the balance needs to be restored. 

For this reason, I always do my best to stay hydrated (but not overly) and carry a small bottle of water in my handbag.

Pretty much any wellness article states the importance of a stress-free life and good sleep (ha!), and this column is not going to be an exception, because emotional stability combined with proper rest is indeed a life changer (check out our guide on healthy sleep for ultimate knowledge about the subject). 

Every time I go through harsh life periods, I immediately see the consequences, and swelling is one of them. But what helps me with keeping a positive mindset in such circumstances is consistent self-care. Thoughtfully processing the problems and finding time for the activities that I enjoy such as tennis, cycling or yoga do really well for both my mental and physical state.

As for sleep, I noticed that it is not just the amount of it that affects my morning puffiness, but also the position I sleep in. No wonder your face looks like a pillow when you have been pushing it into one through the whole night!

I tried to sleep on my back, but it wasn’t comfortable enough, so I went on a quest to search for a pillow that would work miracles. That is how I discovered the world of anatomical foam pillows with special inclines that provide healthy support for the neck and spine and avoid excessive contact between your face and a pillow even when you sleep on your side. 

I switched to such a pillow over two years ago and can genuinely tell that I’m not going back to the ordinary one. 

Another major shift came to my life with regular massages, and that has to be my favorite ritual ever — if we’re not talking decent buccal face treatments, of course. Don’t get me wrong: the result is brilliant, but the process is pure suffering. 

The bare minimum for me is having 60 or 90 minutes of quality lymphatic drainage weekly. To be honest, when I have more than that, I can easily skip other steps without major payoffs in the short term. The main part here is to find the right therapist — for me, it was a long way of working with over 10 specialists in a couple of years. But be patient and you’ll get rewarded!

Spa days with a sauna or hammam are also something enjoyable yet effective for me as heat improves fluid circulation and relaxes the muscles, relieving tension which could be contributing to swelling. However, for people with certain medical conditions such practices can be counter-indicative, so make sure to consult a healthcare professional before integrating them into your own routine. 

Sometimes you don’t need any external help in a fight with puffiness as simple, but consistent home rituals may work just as great.

When I need a quick remedy for my face, I turn to Guasha massage. How cool is that: the technique is easy and delivers the result in as little as 5 minutes! The shape of the tool, in my experience, is not that important as long as I use a plate and not a roller. Just follow the instructions that are normally included or check out some YouTube tutorials. 

FYI: Keep in mind that Guasha massage is not recommended when you have active breakouts. 

Hydrogel eye patches are one more easy tip for quick relief. I keep mine in a fridge for an extra cooling effect, and when those puffy eyes strike, I just slap them on and let the magic happen while I sip my morning coffee. It makes me look more awake and less like I have been crying over a sad movie all night.

Taking a bath with salt is my other favorite for combating swelling. I just add a couple of cups to the tub and soak in for about 20 minutes. The warm water helps relax the muscles, while the salts draw out excess fluids and toxins from the body. Plus, it's a perfect excuse to unwind with a good book or some soothing music.

And there you have it — my go-to solutions for battling that pesky puffiness. Remember, everyone’s body reacts differently, so it’s all about finding what works best for you. Stay consistent, have fun with it, and let’s say goodbye to those bloated mornings!