The word “self-care” has been thrown around a lot on the internet lately, but it took me a while to learn that self-care is so much more than sheet masks and taking baths! Here are some self-care tips that I’ve collated to make our days working from home and in lockdown pass by a little easier.
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Back to basics: refuelling your body
Sometimes taking time out of our day to purposefully and mindfully enjoy our meals is the quickest and easiest way to care for ourselves. When was the last time you’ve mindfully eaten a meal or enjoyed a beverage without your phone in front of you? (No shame, I can’t remember my last time either!) But eating and drinking mindfully is a great way to take time out of the day to put your full attention towards experiences, cravings and physical cues when eating.
Mindful mealtime inspiration by @sammyjonesphotography featuring her Ottawa Calico bowl.
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Decluttering your surroundings = decluttering your headspace
Cleaning up your living space can be a great way to hit reset on your headspace. Decluttering is a great way to remind yourself that you are in control of your home space, your life and your stuff, even when it sometimes doesn’t feel that way. Make it fun by exploring trends that interest you on Instagram or Pinterest and explore what other people are doing to declutter and spruce up their spaces.
@rumaxita’s decluttered space featuring her Nomad Mug in Amber.
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Keeping a diary or journal
Keeping a diary or journal that you can use at the start of your day and end of your day is a great way to keep track of what your goals are and recount your thoughts and feelings at the end of the day. Start your day by listing all the tasks and goals you’d like to complete. At the end of the day, recount on all of the goals you have achieved and what you felt while you were going about your day. Journaling is a great way to prioritise our thoughts and feelings, both negative and positive, and can help us recognise what triggers good feelings and bad feelings throughout our day.
Bedside table essentials for @itsshukran include a cup of tea in her Calico mug, great novels and her journal.
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Physical Activity
Getting in a bit of physical activity is a great way to encourage the body and mind to connect. Whether you enjoy walking outdoors, running on the treadmill or stretching it out on the yoga mat, moving our bodies can encourage our minds to reduce stress and increase happy hormones.
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Check-in on loved ones
Reaching out and reconnecting with friends and family is a great way to give love and feel good. If you’re feeling like it you could even write them a letter, send them a care package or simply pick up the phone. They will appreciate it and you will feel great afterwards!
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Bedtime self care
Getting some solid sack time seems like an easy way to care for ourselves, but good sleep is the best way for our mind and body’s cells to reset and repair. An ideal nighttime routine differs for everyone, but a great place to start would be to turn off electronic devices an hour before bed to reduce blue light exposure, winding down with some journaling or a good book and a cup of tea and making sure you get enough sleep to be ready for the next day. You can calculate the best times to go to bed and wake up for your sleep cycle using a website like sleepcalculator.com
A great way to prepare for bed is to enjoy a cup of tea or hot chocolate to wind down. Featuring the Dwell Mug.