Your Pocket Guide To Self Care

What we all need right now.

If there’s anything the past year has taught us, it’s the importance of self-care. Taking some time for ourselves, cutting ourselves some slack and doing something every day that brings us joy.

Of course, what constitutes self-care will look slightly different for all of us, and rule number one is that there’s no ‘perfect’ way to practice it. It’s all about listening to yourself, and asking what you need that day.

But if you’ve been feeling like you need to show yourself a bit more love lately, we’ve rounded up some self-care starting points to kick you off…

Go on a social media cull

First thing’s first: social media. It’s where many of us spend a larger portion of our days than we’d probably care to admit, especially over the past year when, honestly, there hasn’t been much else to do!

But be honest: does it really make you happy all the time? Take 10 minutes to go on a social media cull, unfollowing any accounts that don’t make you feel good about yourself.

Create a recipe repertoire

We all know that eating a balanced diet full of fresh foods is key for our mental wellbeing but, you know, sometimes life gets in the way. Meal planning can help keep meal times nutritious and tasty, while eliminating food waste, too. Why not create a space to save your favourite recipes, so you’ll always have plenty of inspiration and a go-to list of ingredients? You could store them on Pinterest, in your ‘Saved Items’ on Instagram, or simply in the Notes app on your phone.

That being said, there’s a lot to be said for cutting yourself some slack when it comes to food, especially given how prolific diet culture is. So, don’t beat yourself up for that Friday night Deliveroo. Self-care is all about balance, and listening to what your body needs. And sometimes it damn well needs a Nando’s.

Notice how you talk to yourself each day

Recognising and changing any negative self-talk is a daily practice that can boost our self-esteem and improve our mental health.

According to NHS.uk: “Notice when you're putting yourself down, such as thinking, "You're so stupid for not getting that job", and instead think, "Would I say that to my best friend?". You probably wouldn’t.

Tell yourself something positive instead, such as: "You're a bright person, you'll get the next job”."

Bliss out at your ‘spathroom’

Yep, that’s bringing the spa to your bathroom. Because is there anything else more relaxing than a long, hot soak in a bubble bath at the end of a long day? In fact, a recent study for Boots found that 68% of Brits claim the bathroom has had a positive impact on their mood, and a quarter of the nation see it as their at-home sanctuary.

Use scented products to add to the mood-boosting factor – our sense of smell is directly linked to our limbic systems, the part of the brain that plays a key role in emotional regulation. Here’s what to add to your pamper pack:

Talk it out

Sometimes it’s easy to get wrapped up in our own little worlds, but communication is vital for our mental health, and ringing a loved one for just 10 minutes is a great way to practice self-care.

“Feeling connected to other people is important,” explains mental health charity Mind. “It can help you to feel valued and confident about yourself, and can give you a different perspective on things. If you can, try to spend some time connecting with friends and family – even a text or phone call can make a difference.”

If that isn’t an option, why not try connecting with neighbours at a local community event, or joining some online forums with people you have shared interests with?

Put down the phone

Guilty of doom-scrolling in bed in the morning or at night before you go to sleep? Us too. But you don’t need us to tell you that it isn’t a great idea. Instead, replace the AM or PM doom-scrolling with a book or podcast.

Take a fitness quiz

We all know that regular exercise is a vital for our mental and physical health, and that even moderate exercise can release feel-good endorphins and boost our mood. But what if you’re just starting out on your fitness journey, particularly when gyms have been shut for the best part of a year, and you don’t know where the hell to get started?

Luckily, there are plenty online quizzes that can help determine what sort of workout is right for you. Try the British Heart Foundation’s quiz: ‘Which fitness activity suits you?’ Then you can search for virtual classes or YouTube demos to get a sweat on at home.

Spend 10 minutes decluttering

Okay, we’re not suggesting you go full Marie Kondo (unless that’s your vibe, in which case, Kondo ‘till your heart’s content), but research has actually shown that being surrounded by clutter ups our levels of cortisol, the ‘stress hormone’.

So, set a timer for 10 minutes and clear your space. For tidying inspo, follow @thehomeedit on Instagram.

Drink some water

We know it’s been said a million times before, but seriously: even mild dehydration can dampen your mood. Make drinking plenty of water part of your self-care.

Download a hydration tracking app to make sure you’re getting enough H20, such as Waterlogged.

Get a houseplant

They don’t just look great on the ‘gram, but studies have actually shown that being around houseplants can lift our mood. One study even found that active interaction with indoor plants can reduce stress.

Buy yours at Root, House of Kato and Mawusi Plants.