Self-care is a part of life that I tend to ignore whilst rushing around in the business of life! During the lockdown, I’ve noticed how taking a little bit of time out from your day to just take care of yourself in whatever way you feel that you need is incredibly important.
Self-care can mean different things for everyone. For some its a nice bath and a cup of tea, whereas at other times it can be getting organised for the week to help keep you feeling on top of everything in the future. Either way, I often find myself stuck for ideas on what to do when I need some care. I have scoured the internet for some of the craziest most ingenious and terrible ways to ‘self-care.’
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The best:
1. A pamper session
No matter who you are, an evening set aside to relax and take time to be present is super valuable. What’s better is pampering helps you to take care of personal hygiene and health too!
I came across the ‘Build your own sustainable vegan pampering set’ on the ‘ethical market.’
This is a cool way to personalise your relaxation, whilst being mindful of your impact on the world around you!
2.‘The life-changing magic of tidying up.’
This one gives me major throwbacks to Marie Kondo on Netflix during Lockdown one but boy does tidying something help.
Tidying up helps you to clear your space and allow you physical room to grow and move around. Getting things in top shape can also help to clean out any fuzz within your mind and give you more clarity.
3. Something creative!
I find that a simple join the dots magazine or paint by numbers can help you channel your energy into doing something consciously and mindful. It can help you to exercise creativity too!
4. A bunch of fresh flowers or a house plant!
This is one of my favourites! Before lockdown, I would pass this beautiful flower shop every day on the way to sixth form. Although I never stopped off I always feel so happy when I passed it.
There is something so great about a beautiful plant in your space to make you smile and give you something to nurture.
It also helps me to realise whether I give myself enough care as I water my house plans, it draws attention to areas of my life where I need to look after myself better.
Bloom and Wild do delicioussss bunches that are bound to brighten up any bedroom!
The worst:
Now for this, I don’t have much to say.
Self-care is pretty hard to get wrong and I’m a big believer in just doing whatever feels right.
However, I do have a few no go products and situations I try to avoid.
1. Diet pills, diet powder, diet shakes, diet anything really…
Keeping in check with your body and health is a great way to self-care however these pills and fads are a waste of your money.
These companies profit of insecurity and honestly I believe the best way to look and feel great is by loving your body as is and eating and drinking what is yum and also what your body enjoys.
Remember, always follow your Doctors advice and see a GP if you have any concerns.
2. Pore shrinking anything.
Your pores cannot be ‘cleansed’ or made smaller. They don’t change in size they can only be made to appear smaller.
The gunky stuff in your pores is good for you and helps your skin to stay as it should be.
The same thing goes with cellulite products etc. They are just scams!
3. Ignoring your needs
As I said earlier, self-care can look like several different things, from a bath to a meal plan.
Sometimes we can ignore our needs to slow down a bit, or the need to think ahead with a bit of planning.
Each type of care is equally important and where possible its best to achieve a balance.
The weirdest:
These products aren’t bad or good I just thought they were pretty weird… in a cool way.
Could be something to test out if you need some entertainment during Lockdown 3.0!
1. ‘TOP YAO figure trimmer’
This little device allows you to stand on top of it, get a full-body workout whilst it massages your feet. Pretty weir but might add a bit of spice to your home workouts.
2. ‘Vitagoods scalp massaging shampoo brush’
Just the description of this product sends tingles through my scalp!
A shampoo brush that massages your scalp whilst you work your shampoo into a lovely lather. What a fab way to improve circulation in your scalp whilst washing your hair leaving it clean and luscious.
My water bill just skyrocketed!
3. ‘Holler and glow booty goals bum mask’
I’m pretty sure bums are to be the most neglected part of our body when it comes to self-care.
Give your booty a bit of love with this bum mask shaped like a thong which promises to firm and soften the skin on your peach.
4. Playdough
Yes, I said it… Seriously though! When was the last time you got your hands stuck into that glorious mushy stuff and made something to show your mum?
Hop onto Amazon and get yourself a couple of pots (they come in SO many colours these days!) Make an abstract sculpture, a landscape or just prod it with your finger, nose, elbow. Maybe even have a taste if you want to seriously relive your childhood.
If the budget is tight, not to worry! You don’t need to miss out. Here is a recipe so you can make your own salt dough.
Just as fun.
5. A frozen pizza
I’m writing this at lunchtime so my stomach is growling rn.
This might be a weird suggestion but one way you can look after yourself in advance of a bad day is by tyring to have something instant in the freezer for whenever you can’t bring yourself to cook.
For me, a frozen pizza or an Aldi ready meal is my go-to. I can’t explain how good it feels to be dreading the cooking on tough days and then remember that there is a frozen tikka masala calling your name.
I hope this post has made you giggle, feel better about the world and your place in it and given you some inspiration for your next bit of self-care.
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Very nice blog post. I absolutely love this website. Continue the good work! Lois Del Manard
I am so glad you enjoyed it! I appreciate your feedback.