If the pandemic has taught us one thing it is self-care. It is more important than ever to look after ourselves on the inside and outside.
This needn’t be a grand gesture like a spa day but taking moments to be present and treat yourself well.
We have rounded up some top tips to help you start looking after yourself.
Tip #1 – Treat the senses
This tip is easy to remember and adaptable depending on your mood and circumstances. If you only have a few minutes focus on just one of the senses and how that makes you feel.
Sight – Get your lighting right for you!
- Soft candlelight is calming and soothing.
- Get outside to see out natural light plus the bonus of fresh air.
- Perhaps what you need is the other side of the spectrum – some shut eye.
Sound – Treat your ears to stimulating sounds!
- Dreamy sounds like the Spotify playlist ‘Detox’ can transport you to a spa like state of relaxation.
- When was the last time you stopped to listen to the sounds around you? Nature produces the most beautiful sounds from birds singing to a cat purring.
- Pick up the phone and speak to a dear friend who is sure to make you feel better.
- Pop your headphones on and listen to a podcast or audiobook.
- Maybe there is sound all around you and a pair of noise-cancelling headphones called for.
Touch – Hold your comforts close!
- Our number one go-to if of course beautifully soft cashmere. Putting on a pair of cashmere socks takes no time and will make you feel super cosy.
- Layer up with blankets and cushions close your eyes and feel the sensations.
- Pets, especially fluffy cats, dogs, and bunnies make excellent snuggle buddies.
- Give yourself a hug
Taste – Savour the delights
- When did you last make yourself a tea or coffee and just take time to enjoy it? Take a proper coffee break and appreciate the moment.
- Do you have a favourite sweetie, chocolate or snack? Quietly enjoy the taste of your favourite snacks.
- Indulge in your favourite comfort foods and think back to why this makes you feel comforted.
- Eating right is a form of self care, add more fruit and vegetables into your daily diet.
Smell – Take a Blissful Breath
- Add a dab of essential oils to your wrists and temples. There is such a variety of essential oils that can relax, ground, or stimulate you. Pick a smell that suits your mood.
- Light a scented candle and let the aroma fill your space. Do take time to stop, close your eyes and take a deep breath in to appreciate.
- Step outside take a walk and just stop to close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Tip #2 – Do Something Just For You!
One of the keys to self care is to do something you love. We also think this is a great opportunity to try something new as you may discover something else that you love.
- Baking – Okay, this could be shared with others, and you can involve the kids too but you can also carve out some time to do this on your own and focus on the process.
- Reading – Transport yourself to another world entirely without going anywhere, that’s right a novel can take you there.
- Bubble Bath – Combining our tips from tip 1, treat your senses with candlelight, light frothy bubbles, your favourite bath oils or bath fizz and relax.
- Meditation – Take some time for a guided meditation. This powerful technique has a number of benefits including reducing stress and anxiety while increasing creativity and focus.
- Puzzles – There are so many options when it comes to puzzles from jigsaws to suduko to crosswords, there is something for everyone. Plus, they’re a great excuse to give yourself a digital break.
Tip #3 – Stay Connected
Humans are social creatures; we need interaction with others. Be sure to make time to meet with friends and family for a walk, a brew, or for a meal.
When we are unable to meet in person we have adapted to embrace technologies to stay connected with our nearest and dearest. Remember to make time to make a phone call, a facetime/zoom/skype to satisfy the connection and sense of belonging we all crave.
Tip #4 – Get a Good Night’s Sleep
Sleep is a huge part of self care for our wellbeing. Sleep is important for allowing our body to rest and repair, yet we can neglect this greatly.
Build a positive evening routine to wind down to get ready for a good nights sleep.
For more bedtime self-care tips read our Destination Comfort – Bedtime blog.
Tip #5 – Get Outdoors
Connecting to nature has many benefits to our health. Getting outdoors gets us into the fresh air is relaxing and invigorating. As we are based in Hawick, Scottish Borders we have a wealth of green spaces to enjoy from gardens, parks, fields, forests, and river walks.
The options for engaging with and enjoying the outdoors are endless. A few things we like to do are:
- Just sitting – That’s right, properly taking some time to engage the senses.
- Taking a walk – Setting off outdoors and seeing where it takes us.
- Wildlife spotting – Looking up, looking down, just looking to see what we can see.
- Gardening – Growing your own food or flowers benefits mood and wellbeing. Plus, our home-grown veggies cuts down on food miles which is another win!
- Exercise al Fresco – Walking, jogging, running, cycling and even swimming give our exercise routines a fresh perspective.
These are just a few of our self-care tips. Remember to practice self care every day. Do something you love, reflect, engage your senses and sleep well.