The importance of self-care

The importance of self-care

Can you believe it has been a whole year since the very first lockdown? Though at times the days have gone very slowly, it certainly doesn’t feel like a year since we were first asked to stay home. Little did we know that we’d still be in this situation now, though I am incredibly grateful that we have a very successful vaccine rollout programme now and a roadmap to normality.

However, we may be used to the situation by now, but it doesn’t make it any easier. Many people around me have reached out to say how hard they are finding lockdown this time round. Even with a light at the end of the tunnel it can still feel endless. Those of you with children may have been counting down the days until the schools went back, but now they are open again and your little ones are no longer at home every day, the separation anxiety might be kicking in. I hear you – these are strange times, and we are all doing so well to keep calm and carry on. I try my best to focus on all the beautiful things to come and how even the simplest things will feel even more precious. Can you imagine how wonderful it will feel to sit in the park with friends in the summer, to stroll to a restaurant with loved ones, or to take a dip in a pool surrounded by the excited squeals of children? I for one cannot wait. Those days are coming!

Whilst we are still remaining at home, self-care is more important than ever. It is easy to forget just what we have all been through over the past year. We were asked to adjust our entire way of living – our work, hobbies, social lives, all changing overnight. Regardless of how well we feel we have coped, it’s vital that we take care of ourselves and show ourselves the love and gratitude we deserve for weathering the storm for this long. Here are some suggestions of things to do this weekend to show yourself some love…

Look good, feel good

Show your body some TLC. Take the time for a long bath with your fanciest bath bubbles. Pamper your hair with your favourite deep conditioner. Exfoliate your face with a fancy scrub. Follow it up with top-to-toe moisturising, using sustainable and cruelty-free products, so you both feel and smell divine. It’s a tried and tested technique to pep yourself up…and it works!

Nail that glamour

I find that having pretty nails makes me feel happy. Every time I glance down and see freshly-done nails it just makes me feel put-together. Start off by nurturing your nails with hardener and strengthener, then follow it up with the glamorous colour of your choice – these plant-based ones are even vegan friendly. The brighter the better!

The art of letter writing

In this world of email and texts, how wonderful is it to receive a handwritten letter? Find yourself some beautiful stationery – there are so many wonderful options out there – and take an hour or so to sit and write a letter to someone you love. Is there someone elderly in your family whom you haven’t seen for months, or even since lockdown began last March? A letter to them would be so well received, whilst also being wonderfully therapeutic for you to write. Double the joy!

Life admin

Yep, this counts as self-care too. Taking the time to organise your life – do all those little pieces of admin that always seem to be stuck on your to-do list – is so satisfying. A decluttered mind is a relaxed mind. These ceramic tiles are a great eco-friendly alternative to post-it notes and are ideal for noting key tasks down so they’re at the forefront of your mind – and it’s very satisfying to wipe them off once you’re done!

Unplug and recharge

We are connected to our devices so much of the time that it is truly refreshing to make the decision to turn them off and step away from the notifications, even just for an hour. I really recommend doing this before bedtime and using the time normally spent looking at a screen reading a book instead. It is the perfect way to unwind and if you struggle to sleep it’s a great way to improve that.

I hope these tips are helpful for you and you are inspired to take the time for you, that you both need and deserve.

Stay blessed

Patience x