Self-care is an important concept these days, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic took its toll on us all. Deliberately setting aside some time to look after yourself is vital for both our mental and physical health, plus it can help to reduce stress, boost self-esteem, and generally do wonders for our wellbeing. So the real question is not whether we should be practising self-care, but what the most effective ways of doing so are. Read on for some top tips you can try!
Take care of your body
Looking after your body is key for having a long and healthy life, and there are plenty of ways to do so. Firstly it’s important to eat a healthy diet that’s rich in vitamins and minerals, as well as to drink plenty of water. It’s best to avoid alcohol, sugary drinks, and processed foods as much as you can (although, of course, you can allow yourself the occasional treat!). If you smoke, you should definitely think about quitting – not only is it bad for your health, but it also ages your skin. Exercise is another key aspect of self-care for the body, whether it’s a dance class, yoga session, going for a run, or hitting the gym.
Indulge in some pampering
Pampering is a vital aspect of self-care, because it helps you to relax and also feel better about yourself. Here at our beauty salon in Oxford, you can unwind with a full body massage, boost your confidence with a skin treatment or body contouring session, or treat yourself to a manicure and pedicure. In between your treatments, you can also pamper yourself at home with a long soak in the bathtub (extra points if you’re surrounded by scented candles and enjoying a glass of wine or reading your favourite book!).
Give mindfulness a go
Mental health is perhaps the most important aspect of self-care, and mindfulness is a huge part of this. There are lots of techniques you can try in order to boost your psychological wellbeing, such as:
• Adult colouring books to reduce anxiety
• Breathing exercises to relax and reduce stress
• Meditation to calm the mind (try apps like Calm and Headspace if you’re a beginner)
• Keeping a gratitude journal to help you appreciate even the smallest positive parts of your day
• Decluttering your physical space to feel lighter
• Taking up a creative and inspiring new hobby such as drawing or playing a musical instrument to increase cognitive function
Spend time in nature
Getting out in the natural world is an effective way of improving both your mental and physical health. Sunlight boosts your body’s serotonin levels, lifts your mood, helps us to produce vitamin D, and can even improve the quality of your sleep. Likewise, being surrounded by greenery has been shown to raise our creativity and productivity, in addition to making us feel happier. Don’t panic if you don’t have the time for long walks or if you live in the middle of the city because having some houseplants in your home can bring you many of the same benefits.