We live in a society where working long hours and ‘burning the candle at both ends’ is ultimately considered the norm, as we continue working harder to achieve our goals. However, as the discussion of mental health becomes more prevalent, we are forced to take a step back and wonder if our lack of time spent dedicated to ourselves has bigger consequences on our wellbeing?
Physical and emotional burnout can lead to a range of health issues including anxiety and depression. Engaging in self care practises have been clinically proven to reduce the likelihood of experiencing mental illness, as it works to ultimately create a clearer head space. Specifically, self care intends to reduce stress which in turn can:- Promote better sleep.
- Improve focus and increase energy levels.
- Regulate mood and in turn strengthen our relationships.
- Boost self-esteem and promote our overall mental health state.
Soak in a bubble bath
Your bathtub is the perfect place to relax and recharge! Whether it's a quick 10 minute soak before bed, or a Sunday evening spent in the tub with your favourite movie playing and a glass of wine in hand, your bath is an easy way to unwind and enjoy some ‘me time’. Research has presented that warmth and the activity of immersing yourself in water, both contribute to a reduction in stress levels.So how can you make the most out of your self care time in the tub? Firstly you want to ensure that you are using lukewarm water to protect your skin from drying out. We suggest then adding 6 -8 drops of the Zen Time Essential Oil Blend to the water, as this will further protect the skin from dehydration whilst helping to release tension and promote relaxation. To enhance your overall bathing experience, try spritzing your face with the Zen Time Aroma Mist, further grounding you and creating a refreshing environment.
Connect with others
Social connection is one of the most important self care practises. Regular interaction with others has been proven to decrease stress and promote happiness, ultimately contributing to improved wellbeing. Whether these social interactions are with colleagues, a partner, family or neighbours, they are essential in allowing us to remain connected and create a sense of emotional support. A few ways in which you may remain connected with others includes:- Facetiming a friend who may not live near you.
- Spending quality time with a loved one.
- Join a sporting club to meet new people.
- Schedule weekly dinners with your closest friends.
Stretch it out with some yoga
Yoga is a highly beneficial form of self care as it promotes both physical and mental wellbeing. Physically, yoga works to improve your strength and flexibility, whilst the activity itself releases good endorphins which ultimately contribute to an increased mood. Mentally, yoga creates a space for us to relax and truly connect with our body which helps to reduce levels of stress and anxiety.Whether you choose to partake in an online yoga session when your stress peaks or if you regularly take sessions at your local studio, yoga is a highly accessible practise for all. We suggest rolling your mat out, putting on your favourite calming music and spraying some Happy Place Aroma Mist to create a sanctuary space to practise some self care yoga. Manifesting positive energy, the mist works to calm your worries and restore harmony.
Create a space of sanctuary within your home
It is important that we create a place of sanctuary within our home where we feel that we can come to at the end of each busy day to unwind and recharge. Research has shown that your environment has a strong influence on your mental health, therefore creating a space of sanctuary works to promote feelings of relaxation, safety and ultimately reduce anxiety. In creating your safe space, we have a few tips:- Remove clutter, your space should feel organised and clean.
- Incorporate bright, welcoming colours into your home.
- Add living plants or a bunch of fresh flowers to lift your spirits. Incorporate natural light where possible.
- Purchase a Diffuser and enjoy the full benefits of aromatherapy. We suggest trying the Fresh Home Vibes Essential Oil Blend to create a minty, citrus aroma, while experiencing the full range of benefits offered in essential oils.
Complete a small task that you have control over like cooking or organising your closet
Cooking not only allows you to indulge in your favourite foods, but it’s also a great way to kill time and take your mind off life’s everyday stressors. Experts understand that cooking works to put your consciousness in the present, while the outcome provides us with a tangible sense of accomplishment… not to mention we get to eat it in the end which is a positive in its own! But seriously, cooking is a great self care activity in which we can regularly partake in. Whether it's cooking your favourite meal for dinner, or baking one of your friends a cake, cooking boosts our wellbeing in numerous ways.Take your time with your skincare routine- Give yourself an at-home Gua Sha facial
There’s nothing better than the feeling of fresh skin after a bit of TLC. Facials are a simple activity when you are in need of some ‘me time’ as you can easily create your own at-home pamper session. Not only does a facial promote glowing skin, it also helps you feel fresh and recharged.Incorporating a Gua Sha into your skincare routine is simple, yet highly beneficial. The practise promotes a range of health benefits, including:
- Relieved tension from muscles.
- Promotion of blood circulation.
- Detoxifying.
- Improves fine lines and wrinkles.
Prioritise sleep
Although we all understand that we should prioritise sleep, we still somehow struggle to actually do it. The craziness of life can often leave us sacrificing our sleep time, which in turn interferes with our bodies ability to recharge and leaves us feeling overwhelmed. In a society that's increasingly focusing on ways to improve our mental health, it’s time that we go back to the basics of simply getting enough sleep each night!Research has proven that when we get an adequate amount of sleep, we’re less likely to feel irritable, anxious or depressed. In addition to this, sleep boosts our immune system, helping us to fight off illness which in turn allows us to continue doing the things that we love in life. We understand that sometimes it can be difficult unwinding and getting enough sleep each night… that’s why we love the Sleeping Beauty Aromatherapy Kit which relies on essential oils to create a peaceful atmosphere where you can simply relax and recharge.
Play with your pet
Pets are the ultimate companions. They provide unconditional love and are great listeners… What more could we ask for! Research has proven that interacting with animals triggers our bodies to produce serotonin which in turn offset feelings of anxiety and depression. Spending some quality time with your pet increases your wellbeing, making it a great self care practise.Pamper yourself
Pampering ourselves involves activities that make you feel better about yourself, whether this be getting your hair done, eating out at your favourite restaurant or doing your nails. Participating in pampering activities generally forces the body into a state of relaxation, which further advantages the body as it improves our mood and ability to concentrate.In creating the ultimate pamper session, we suggest grabbing your favourite nail products and enjoying an at-home manicure. Not only will this leave you feeling fresh and in love with your new nails, but it will also have you feeling at ease and in peace with your surrounding environment.