Self-care – whether it’s taking a warm bath, enjoying a reflexology session or snuggling up with your favourite novel – is essential for our wellbeing. Studies show that taking time for ourselves can help to improve our focus and concentration, reduce feelings of stress and improve energy levels. Yet, despite these wellbeing wins, one in three of us feel guilty for taking time to look after ourselves. Any spare moment that we have goes to caring for others, catching up with chores or signing ourselves up for extra work. But, as the saying goes, you can’t pour from an empty cup. This weekend, let yourself enjoy a self-care practice. Here’s a little inspiration to help you get started.
Make a morning tea ritual
Often we boil the kettle mindlessly, glugging down a mug of tea without a second thought. Make this time more sacred by creating your own tea ritual. Find a blend of tea that will set you up for the day – perhaps a peppy mint or a refreshing lemon verbena – and place this in its own special jar. Brew your tea in a pot and watch the changing colours of the water as the leaves unfurl and steep. Notice the aroma of your tea – can you detect the different herbs? Find a comfortable, quiet spot where you can enjoy, sip by slow sip, and take this time to set an intention for your day.
Release stagnant energy with Pai Sha
Pai Sha – or bamboo tapping – is an ancient Chinese method for tapping the body. It uses a long bundle of thin bamboo rods, shaped like an old-fashioned broom, to tap all over the body. The idea is that it helps to clear areas of stagnant energy, or ‘qi’, while also helping to boost circulation, release tension and support lymphatic drainage. Spending five minutes in the morning briskly tapping the body can help invigorate you for the rest of the day.
Enjoy a haircare ritual
Show your tresses some attention. Indulge in a soothing head massage, gently rubbing your scalp with a nourishing hair oil. You don’t need to be an expert – place your fingertips on your scalp and massage in small, soothing circles for a simple and effective technique. Not only does a head massage help to ease tension, it can also improve circulation to your scalp and neck, while encouraging healthy hair growth. Once your massage is complete, relax and allow the oil to soak into your hair. Rinse out when you’re ready with your favourite shampoo and conditioner.
Take a mindful walk
Shorter, chillier days may have left you reaching for the blanket, but getting outside is essential for our wellbeing. Research shows that being in nature lifts our mood and enhances our focus. Not only that, natural light helps to regulate our melatonin, keeping our sleep cycle on track. Transform your walk into a mindful practice by noticing the sights and sounds around you. Admire the sunlight streaming through the branches of a giant oak or revel in the sound of crunchy leaves underfoot. Notice if you can engage each of the senses one by one. If you have the time, take a journal along with you and pause during your walk to write down anything you notice.
Create a meditation zone
While we may not have the space to recreate an ashram at home, we can take inspiration from it. Creating a sacred space for meditation is ideal for helping you to cultivate a regular practice as you’ll be more likely to come to it each day. Find a cosy, quiet corner where you’re unlikely to be disturbed and transform this space into your personal meditation zone. Create a comfortable seating area and choose some scented candles or soft lighting to keep the senses calm. Making an altar can help you to focus and dedicate your practice – you can personalise it with your favourite crystals, tarot cards or meaningful photos. Finally, consider burning palo santo, rosemary or incense to cleanse the air.
Make a manifestation board
Our hopes and dreams can feel out of reach when we’re on the go all the time. Visualising your dreams is key to making them your reality. Take a moment this weekend to create a manifestation board. There are no rules when it comes to creating your board so enjoy the freedom and get creative. It might be on a piece of paper or card, or even a pin board. You could also create a digital version and save it as your computer or phone wallpaper. Find photos, artwork and quotes that relate to your dream and arrange these on your board. Once you’ve finished, place your board somewhere you’re likely to see it each day to keep you on track.
Soak in a magnesium bath
Enhance the wellness benefits of a Sunday evening soak by adding magnesium flakes to your bath. Magnesium gets absorbed across the skin, helping to support levels of this essential mineral. Not only does magnesium help to keep our bones and skin healthy, it can also relieve muscle tension and set us up for a good night’s sleep. Light your favourite candle, add a few soothing drops of lavender essential oil and sink into pure relaxed bliss.
Our top Self-care Picks
Hayo’u Bamboo Tapper, £28
Inspired to try Pai Sha? We love this tapper by Hayo’u. Use daily all over the body for a quick pick-me-up.
BetterYou Magnesium Salts, from £3.95
Relax into the blissful properties of magnesium with the bath salts from BetterYou. You can also use them as part of a soothing foot soak.
Fable and Mane HoliRoots Air Oil, £29
This gorgeous oil has an irresistible scent and uses a blend of strengthening ashwagandha to nourish your scalp.
Yogamatters Organic Cotton Meditation Cushion, £35
Once the body feels relaxed, the mind is more likely to follow. With a natural buckwheat hull filling, this beautiful meditation cushion moulds to the contours of your body.
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