I know taking care of yourself is probably never too far up on your list of things to do, it’s never on mine anyway (and if it is for you then well done! You’ve mastered what I need to do). Mainly because I find other things to prioritise or simply forget. However that is not exactly healthy and like me, you’ll probably find yourself in a state of panic or crying on your sofa every month or so because you have neglected yourself.
Like the good saying goes, you have to look after yourself before you can look after anyone else.
So I thought I’d compile some ways in which you can put yourself first without it breaking your routine or making you pay £40 for a facial.
- Bubble Bath
This is probably an obvious suggestion but I always look at having a bath as a huge effort so never end up having one. I also know that not a lot of people have baths and that this is a luxury. If you do have one I recommend dimming the lights, using a bath bomb and watching an episode of one your favourite shows.
Baths are a great time to switch your brain off and because you can’t do anything else but stare at your laptop when watching a show, you can’t not concentrate on yourself and relax.
If you want a cheap but decent bath bomb, The Body Shop do bath bubbles which change the colour of your water while providing bubbles and great smells! Therefore, your 40mins of relaxation don’t have to cost the earth.
2. Going on a walk
Again extremely simple but focussing on putting one foot in front of the other and admiring your surroundings does a lot for the soul. Especially if you are anxious or pent up about something, walking it off really does help.
If you want to switch your walk up why not try a new route, phone a friend or listen to a podcast. Walking is actually the perfect time to have conversations you have been ‘too busy for’ or podcasts you never quite have the time to listen to.
Another thing you can do on your walk is simply sit on a bench and listen to the birds or take time to admire what’s around you. This is great for clearing your head, especially if you are near the sea.
3. Looking after your skin.
Simply adding a few steps into your routine where you concentrate on yourself can perk you up instantly. Whether that is as simple as moisturising your face day and night, applying some lip balm or doing a face mask once a week. A little goes a long way.
If you want tips on looking after your skin and some products check out my post here.
On the other hand I have extremely dry lips and have had problems with them my whole life, so for me taking time to take care of them is a small step in looking after myself. Some of my favourites are Carmex, The Body Shop’s Hemp lip care and Elizabeth Arden’s 8 hour cream.
Carmex: This lip balm has solved all my worries when it comes to my lips, and I have tried A LOT of lip balms. Its highly moisturising and doesn’t dry them out after.
The Body Shop’s Hemp Lip Care: This stuff is a recent addition to my collection. One I wouldn’t claim to be moisturising, but instead it protects my lips from the elements and is best put on in the morning before applying anything else. When you live in the North of Scotland this is important.
Elizabeth Arden’s 8 hour cream: This is not cheap, in fact we got it out of our local Factory Shop for a fraction of the price. However, it does what it claims and restores the skin and can be used in a number of places. So it could be claimed for all it does and for how long it lasts, it is actually worth the price.
Being Alone
I don’t know how strange this may be but I believe to fully recharge you need some alone time. Now I am not talking about taking a holiday by yourself (however that would be nice), I more mean spend some time in your own company. This way you can process your thoughts and not feel like you need to be switched on 100% of the time.
Why not read a book, watch a film or like I said above, go for a walk. This way when you go back to being switched on you can do it affectively.
Meditation/Yoga
Now before you roll your eyes or skim past this section. I have never tried yoga or meditation either. I know it isn’t for everyone but why not try it because A LOT of people love it and maybe you’ve just not found the right place or way yet.
You can even do it really simply by sitting on your floor and just closing your eyes and letting your thoughts flow around your head. This way you can think about them rather than ignoring them.
It is the perfect time to just tune out the noise and sit in silence with absolutely no one bothering you.
Or if you’d rather do some movement why not try doing some yoga or stretching. Even if you aren’t listening to your thoughts or ‘centring’ yourself, you’re still doing some light exercise to look after yourself.
I hope that in some way these gave you some big or little ideas for improving how you take care of yourself. Or even help to remind you that at some point you actually need to stop taking care of everyone else and listen to what you need.
I am by no means good at doing any of the above and I am not here to preach about it either. However, I do know that when I do at least one of the above, when I remember, that it helps. Even simply by registering that you are doing it for you and that it is important will help shift your mindset and could help you be kinder to yourself.
I think in a lot of ways it’s about not making it become ‘something else to add to the list’ or part of normality, in that it should be special so you can feel special.
I hope you are doing well,
Much love,
Sophie x
Sophie's Edit 