Selfcare, according to experts, is one of the most effective strategies to improve both your physical and emotional health.
Putting on a face mask and enjoying a candle-lit bath are probably the first things that come to mind when you think of a "self-care day."
While we do enjoy a relaxing bubble bath and a face mask, it's not the only option to pamper yourself.
In truth, selfcare isn't something you should do on a single day. Self-care can be defined as any action that makes you feel good while also improving your health and well-being!
Even more essential, it should be something we think about on a regular basis.
It's also crucial to realise that there's no one-size-fits-all approach to self-care!
It is absolutely unique to the individual, which can make deciding where to begin a little more difficult.
In this blog article, we have created a list of 7 self-care rituals that you can do on a daily basis.
Let's start by defining what selfcare is and why it's so vital.
What is Selfcare?
Self-care is described as the activities and practises that we engage in in order to improve our health and well-being.
There are five different types of selfcare:
Physical refers to taking care of your body in a way that allows it to function properly. Consider nourishing it with nutritious foods, getting enough sleep, and moving your body.
Social focuses on creating and sustaining relationships, which is an extremely important aspect of your overall health.
Spiritual – study reveals that a religion- or spirituality-centred lifestyle is generally healthier. You don't have to be religious to take care of your spiritual well-being!
It can be anything that helps you connect with the world around you and build a greater sense of significance.
Emotional - being able to recognise and process your emotions is critical!
Emotional self-care can include anything that helps you express and process your feelings while also recharging your batteries.
Why is selfcare important?
Those to practice selfcare regularly are more productive and robust to stress and pressure.
What are some ways you can practise self-care on a regular basis?
1. Start your day with a healthy breakfast
Starting your day with a delicious, nourishing meal is the ideal way to get your day started.
Breakfast can help you recharge your energy reserves, boost your memory and attention, and encourage you to make healthier choices throughout the day, which in turn minimises your chances of overindulging at another meal.
2. Turn your skincare routine into a selfcare routine
Taking 5-10 minutes out of your day to cleanse your face, apply your favourite serums, and seal everything in with a luxuriously scented moisturiser is not only beneficial for your skin, but it's also a terrific way to relax and practise self-care!
3. De-stress with a relaxing cup of tea
Enjoying a cup of tea is a calming ritual enjoyed by many civilisations all around the world.
Researchers have discovered that some ingredients in tea might improve mood, focus, and possibly even prevent melancholy and dementia.
4. Give yourself a facial massage
Massage has been proven to treat pain and stiffness, lower anxiety and muscular tension, improve circulation, and reduce stress!
We've been enjoying face massage to help relax the facial muscles and boost the lymphatic system (particularly if you frown while stressed).
5. Start practising meditation
Meditation has been shown to help with mental health and stress reduction. Every day, try to set aside 5 minutes to meditate. If you're new to meditation, we recommend starting with a guided meditation.
We love this 5 Minute Guided Morning Meditation for Positive Energy and this Guided Meditation for Self Love by Lavendaire.
6. Take selfcare outdoors and go for a walk
Exercise has been shown to increase happy hormones (serotonin, dopamine, and others), and as little as 30 minutes of exercise per day can significantly enhance your physical and mental health!
Explore a different neighbourhood or go for a walk with a friend you haven't seen in a while to change things up. One of our favourite self-care walking ideas is to turn off your phone or leave it at home if possible.
Allow yourself to become more aware of your surroundings and the natural world.
7. Avoid blue light before you go to sleep
One hour before night, turn off your phone and other electronic devices.
Blue light from your phone, TV, and laptop can disrupt your circadian cycle, making it difficult for you to obtain a decent night's sleep.
It can also cause eye strain, raise your awareness, making it more difficult to fall asleep, and harm your skin's collagen storage. Instead of surfing through social media, turn off your gadgets an hour before bedtime and read, bathe, or meditate.
There are so many different ways to practise selfcare, and it’s important that you find what works best for you.
What do you like to do to take care of yourself? Do you have any go-to activities or rituals that help you relax and recharge?
We’d love to hear about them! Share your favourite selfcare tips in the comments below or on our social media pages.