An Apology To ‘Self Care’ (+ Easy Ways To Fit Some Into Your Life)

An Apology To ‘Self Care’

Ok, so when I first heard the term ‘Self Care’, I sniggered. It sounded part rude and part, well, stupid. But then I thought about it a little more, I thought about all the stress we go through every day, the mean things we say to ourselves, the way we deprive ourselves to pretty basic things thanks to lack of time, funds and generally not feeling like it’s needed. But you know what, it is. How can we expect ourselves to grow (in all parts of our lives) if we aren’t looking after ourselves. So ‘Self Care’, I’m really sorry. I shouldn’t have mocked your newly coined term and my friends, this is a reminder to look after yourself, be kind to yourself and think of your ‘me time’ as essential, not a luxury.

Home Fragrance

Nothing improves your environment like a good fragrances. I’m sure you have all noticed I’m obsessed with perfume, but I also love home Fragrance. I have diffusers and candles scattered around my house and I just love them for uplifting my spirit, chilling me out and generall making me feel good. Candles can be expensive, especially if you burn them at the rate I do, but I do think they are worth it and if you need to protect your pennies, then an oil burner and essential oils are a great way to fill your home with fragrance and tend to be much more affordable. Try lavender in the evening and something citrussy in the day like Grapefruit.

Music, podcasts and Audiobooks

This is a big one for me! I constantly have my headphones in either playing music, podcasts or audiobooks. Music has always been a huge part of my life and it’s such a mood elevator, and it’s also so good for chilling out to. I also love podcasts for education and entertainment. When I’m home alone they stop me from feeling lonely and when I’m busy editing they keep me entertained. Most importantly, a hot and crowded tube is so much more bearable when there is something awesome in my ears. If you don’t own a great pair of headphones, buy some. If you don’t listen to podcasts, download some and if you are bored of the music stored on your phone, treat yourself to a Spotify/Apple Music subscription.

Bath Time

I’m big into my baths right now. It’s so nice to run a bath, turn off the lights, light a candle and soak in the tub. It’s pretty much impossible to feel stressed in the tub and I know it really soothes my soul before I go to sleep. Personally I love Epsom salts if I want to detox, Elemis muscle soak if my muscles are tired and achy and lush bath bombs if I just want something colourful and indulgently yummy. Baths are so good for stress and so good for the soul.

Turn Off The Computer

Seriously, your not missing anything! Turn your phone off, then your computer off and enjoy the trash TV you love. Then head to bed with just a 5 minute scroll. Easier said than done but I promise you will sleep better and it’s so nice to have some time offline.

Bed Time

I used to have a crappy old bed in a rental flat. You could feel the springs in your back and it wasn’t very comfortable. It wasn’t until my boyfriend insisted on getting a new bed with a non-budget matress that I realised how dreadful it was. And how much better I slept with a good bed. Admittedly these things are not cheap and it’s hard in a rental flat, but if your bed isn’t ideal, then try buying a mattress topper which will add a layer of luxe between you and the springs and it will make a huge difference. Also make sure your sheets are 100% cotton rather than a polycotton blend. Change them frequently and buy new ones when they get shabby. Make your bed every morning and use a pillow spray before you go to sleep. I swear, all of this will make a difference to your sleep and in turn, your life!

Upscale Your Everyday Items

Want an excuse to shop? Here’s one! Think of all those every day items that you use; Mugs, hand wash, soap, toothbrush, keyring, headphones, notebooks, fresh flowers, purse, lip balm, bedding, towels… and make it your mission to upgrade them for something prettier, better, nicer, softer, whatever! Make the small things count because they are the things you use all the time and they are often the easiest things to upgrade. You deserve to be surrounded by lovely things, remind yourself of that and throw out that 5-year-old scratchy bath robe!

Treat yo’ Self

Here’s one I’m always a fan of… treat yourself! Why not?! I mean, we all work hard, we all get stressed and we all deserve to buy ourselves a little something special once in a while. My advice is not to buy it because you feel sad, nor because you are trying to keep up with friends, instead buy it because you really f***ing want it and you deserve it because you are freaking awesome.

Purge & Refresh Your Wardrobe

I am so guilty of keeping clothes in my wardrobe ‘just in case’. Y’know, just in case I get stomach flu and I loose 5 stone in a week, or I can miraculously suit wearing a giant orange jumper. I find myself looking at rails of clothing and saying the words ‘I have nothing to wear’. The truth is, I can’t see the wood for the trees. There’s so much in my wardrobe which I can’t wear because the colour doesn’t suit me, the fit makes me feel self conscious or I can no longer sqeeeze my butt / boobs / hips into it. My friends, it’s time to get rid of it! I don’t care if you sell it, donate it or simply box it up and put it in your loft. Whatever you do, get it out your wardrobe!!!! Those clothes are in your way and making you feel bad about yourself, clear them out and hit up asos or net-a-porter (depending on your budget) and buy yourself a few new items which fit seamlessly into your existing wardrobe, refresh your every day attire and make you feel good.

♥

Finally, always be kind to yourself. Sending lots of love to you all and remember to take time for yourself, it’s so important xoxox