Self-care is not just something to think about when you are sick; or when you need TLC and a hot water bottle.
There are lots of ways to include some elements of self-care into your every day routine that won’t take up a lot of time, or cost a lot of money.
They can be things that makes you feel good, without too much fuss. The important thing is that your self-care is about you; what you, personally, like. Everyone has different ways of creating ‘me-time’.
Here are five ways I like to treat myself, without going to an expensive all-day spa experience or having a massive shopping spree. Self-care is all about giving yourself some attention and self-love in a wholesome way, so you can keep yourself well, happy and calm.
1. Float away
If you can’t get to a float spa to have a whole float experience, you can make your own at home.
Twenty minutes in a hot bath with plenty of magnesium flakes or Epsom salts can make you feel amazing. I like to add a few drops of essential oils. The smell of geranium is my favourite for those calming, feel-good vibes.
2. See the sea
If you’re lucky enough to live near the sea (yay, Brighton!) or a river, spend time near the waves or better still, get into the sea.
The sea generates ions in the atmosphere, which help to clear your head and make you feel more energised. Your body is made of 70% water, so you need to drink more and see more. Even listening to the sound of waves can make you feel more relaxed.
3. Listen up
Whack on one of my guided meditations and let my soothing voice take you on a journey.
Listen at home for five minutes or 20 minutes and soak up all those benefits of meditation to your mind and body.
4. Dance it off
If you can’t get down to your local Zumba class (I love Zumba with Mon),
put on one of your favourite playlists or albums and dance around your living room for 30 minutes. Break out into a sweat and get a natural high.
My current dance obsession: Lizzo
5. Play dead
If it’s all too much for you, get into my favourite yoga pose of all: the corpse.
Lie down on the floor, on your back, with your hands palm upwards slightly away from your body and your legs about two feet apart with your feet turned outwards. Just breathe, deeply into your stomach. Stay there for at least 15 minutes, consciously relaxing away any tension in your body. You’ll be surprised at how difficult it is to lie still with your eyes closed and how deeply relaxing this will be after a few goes.
Remember, this is all about you.
Whatever you choose to do, find the things that work best, do them regularly and do them often. Switch off your phone, engage your senses and have fun. If you want to come along to my next Refigure event, to work out what you love, sign up here.
