As the world slowly transitions out of lockdown, the pace of life is starting to pick back up. Suddenly, there are places to go, people to see, and things to do. While these social activities are a welcome change, they also contribute to the busyness of life. Between work responsibilities, family life, and other engagements, it can be easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of a full schedule. That’s why it’s so important to find a balance and prioritise self care. Read on to discover tips on self care strategies to improve your emotional well-being.
What is Self Care?
Self care is the act of doing something for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It might sound simple, but when life gets busy, the act of deliberately caring for ourselves is often the first thing to be cut from our to-do lists. Ironically, it’s in these overwhelming periods when we need to prioritise our personal needs the most.
The Importance of Self Care
When we constantly push ourselves to do more without taking a moment to breathe, we risk mental and physical exhaustion. This can lead to deeper levels of low self-esteem and unhappiness, ultimately affecting the way we treat others. Contrary to what some people believe, self care is not selfish. In fact, it is an essential part of well-being that allows us to be the best versions of ourselves and show up for those around us. As the saying goes, you cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking the time to care for ourselves allows us to cope with stress properly, leading to a happier and healthier life.
Stress and Your Skin
It’s no secret that the mind and skin are connected. When the body is stressed, it goes into fight or flight mode which results in an increased production of stress hormones. This affects our immune system by causing an inflammatory response in the skin. That’s why many people experience exacerbated skin problems when under pressure, especially those suffering from eczema, psoriasis, or acne.
Self Care Strategies
Self care doesn’t have to mean a trip to the spa or a long vacation at the beach. While we enjoy these activities, there are plenty of ways to show yourself love on a daily basis without breaking the bank. Here are some of our favourite ways to honour our physical and mental well-being, even when life is busy:
Get Enough Sleep: Getting a good night’s rest is essential for overall health. While it’s recommended to get between 7-8 hours of shut eye each night, many people survive on much less. Over time, sleep deprivation can take a toll on our physical and mental health. Allow your body to rest and recharge by turning off notifications and going to bed earlier. Indulging in daytime naps can also provide a boost of much-needed energy.
Take a Soothing Bath: An at-home spa experience is a wonderful form of self love, allowing you to momentarily escape from responsibilities and wash away the worries of the day. Enhance your bath or shower with our Refresh Organic Hand and Body Wash. It’s made from natural and organic plant-based ingredients, allowing it to revitalize the body and mind. When you are finished, be sure to gently massage your skin with our Comfort Organic Hand and Body Lotion. Infused with essential oils, it’s perfect for treating, soothing, and nourishing the skin.
Learn to Say No: Many times we sacrifice our inner peace by saying ‘yes’ to every request even when we don’t have the time, energy, or desire to follow through. As the pace of life picks up and social activities become acceptable, it’s important to remember your boundaries. Doing so will help you look avoid burnout and lower stress levels.
Relax your Mind: In a culture where being busy is often worn as a badge of honour, it can be difficult for many to pause and just breathe. But learning to find calm in the chaos is an important skill for stress management. You can learn to relax your mind by engaging in deep breathing techniques, taking up yoga, and practicing mindfulness. Even just 15 minutes of meditation each day can significantly lower your stress level. A simple self massage routine can also help to relax your mind. We recommend using our Comfort Body Oil Made with 100% natural ingredients, including Lavender, Geranium and Ylang Ylang essential oils which help restore balance to the body and mind. Massage into your skin, breathe deeply and enjoy the therapeutic benefits.
Do Something you Love: With only so many hours in a day, it’s important to dedicate time to yourself and do something just for you. This will mean different things for different people. For some, it may be relaxing with a new book and a cup of coffee. For others, it may mean painting or spending an afternoon in the park. Whatever makes your heart light up, be sure to make time for it.
Image by Jared Rice @unsplash
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