Self care is paramount in today’s busy world. How do I care for myself? These are some of my self care tips!
Take a Bath
A simple pleasure as pouring a warm bath. Adding some of your favourite oil blend or a bath bomb, or even just some Epsom Salts. Light a candle or two. Meanwhile some soft music and most importantly don’t forget to lock the door! A 20 minute soak will help you shut out the outside world and completely unwind.
A 2019 study found water immersion applied to healthy adults can cause physiological and cognitive behavioral changes according to the thermal effect of water. Warm water immersion was effective for cardiovascular function improvement, and thus, has clinical significance as an alternative therapy to exercise training. Cold water immersion reduced the nerve conduction velocity to help reduce pain.1
Get out in Nature
A quick walk on a local trail or getting out into the hills can easily help reset the autonomic nervous system and therefore get you back to homeostasis. Get away from the sounds of traffic and tune into sounds of the birds in the background.
Find some cool local trails at this awesome site.
A 2019 study found that spending at least 120 minutes per week had the most positive effects on wellbeing, across all age groups.2
Sport
Whether you call in a mate for a quick hit of squash or join the local mixed netball team. Sweating out on the court can be a great way to blow the cobwebs away, be social, get competitive and feel great about yourself. Sport and exercise releases chemicals like endorphins and serotonin that improve your mood. Being in contact with others also reduces loneliness and isolation.
A Swedish study from 2019 found that there is strong scientific evidence supporting an association between physical exercise/training and good physical and mental health. For example: A reduction in musculoskeletal disorders and reduced disability due to chronic disease, better mental health with reduced anxiety, insomnia, depression, stress, and other psychological disorders.3
Hobbies
Do you even sew though? No? That’s okay. Whatever floats your boat, indulge a little to get your mind off the every day. Be creative. Get in the garden. Go to a gallery. Fix up that old whatever-it-is that’s been on the project list. You’ll feel so rewarded when you see the results.
Loved ones
Catch up with the ones you love. And as they say, if you cant be with the ones you love, love the ones you’re with. For example, sometimes a good old chin wag or some comfortable quiet time with a loved one is enough to get us feeling grounded again.
Pets
I don’t know about you but I love animals and even a few minutes with my fur babies is enough to make me feel happy and loved. Take pup to the dog park to make new friends. Maybe volunteer down at the animal shelter or sign your pooch up to become a therapy dog so everyone can have the benefits of animal love.
Yoga
How do I care for myself? I get to my favourite yoga class as often as I can. Be it at your regular gym, on a retreat or via YouTube, yoga has long been the go-to for health and wellbeing. The Indians have practiced it for thousands of years and it is now popular worldwide. Find the style that suits you and above all fit it into your regular fitness routine. Practice at least two or three times a week to feel its full benefits.
Simple pleasures
A glass of red wine and some fine dark chocolate. A documentary on Netflix. The latest crime novel. A coffee from your favourite coffee roasters. Sit in a park and watch the world go by. Sing in the shower. Pay it forward for the next person in line at the milk bar. Dance. Eat a ripe peach. Above all, be mindful of the small simple pleasures and get every ounce out of it.
Nutrition
Spend a bit of time away from the take aways and junk foods. Get some whole-foods into your body and consequently your body will thank you for it.
Massage!
Oh guess what? Yeah, massage is a great way to care for yourself. If you’re sore from all the sport and hiking, go for a deep tissue or remedial massage. Likewise, if you need to unwind and a little help drifting off to sleep, get an awesome relaxation or aromatherapy massage from your favourite massage therapist!
