WHAT IS SELF-CARE?

Self-care is any activity that we do to look after our mental, emotional, and physical health. It is one of the most important aspects of maintaining good overall wellbeing, however, it's often overlooked, especially when juggling a busy schedule! 

We feel you. It's not easy to forget to take time out for ourselves in our normal day to day lives, so let's take advantage of this period in isolation/lockdown to give our bodies, minds, and souls the love they deserve.

WHY IS SELF-CARE IMPORTANT?

Taking care of your family, friends, and home are important. But you can't do any of that properly if you don't feel mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy. It's important to take care of yourself so you're ready to conquer the rest of the world. 

HOW TO PRACTICE SELF-CARE?

Self-care is any activity that makes you feel mentally, emotionally, and physically recharged. Not everyone practices self-care in the same way and that's completely fine! Some people prefer running 5k and others prefer reading a good book cuddled up on the couch. 

Take a look at our Self-Care Menu below for activities to nurture your mind, body & soul👇

🍵 NOURISH YOUR BODY: ENJOY A CUP OF TEA

It's all about the simple pleasures in life. While you read a book or sit outside enjoying some fresh air, nourish yourself from the inside out by sipping on a cup of your favorite tea. This five to ten minute self-care technique of relaxation to reset your mind may just completely change your day.

🕯🎶 INDULGE YOUR SENSES: LIGHT A CANDLE & LISTEN TO MUSIC

Need a quick way to unwind? Try burning a delicious smelling candle and listening to some chill tunes. Whether you want to calm your mind before bed, or need to take a break during the day, this will for sure send you into ultimate relaxation mode! 

🗣 PRACTICE SELF-TALK: SAY SOME POSITIVE AFFIRMATIONS

Positive affirmations are uplifting and motivating phrases or mantras used to maintain a positive mindset, help you fight through life's stresses, and find a way around issues. Here are some examples of positive affirmations:

• I know I can accomplish anything I set my mind to
• I believe in, trust & have confidence in myself
• I am a unique and worthy person
• I accept what I cannot change
• I make the best of every situation
• I appreciate all the good things in life 

Simply stand in front of a mirror or sit with your eyes closed, and repeat whatever mantras are relevant and beneficial to you. A few simple affirmations have the power to change your life for the better.

💛 TREAT YOURSELF: DO A HAIR AND/OR FACE MASK

Go on, you deserve it, and your skin and hair will thank you. There's no need to go out and buy a fancy hair or face mask to pamper yourself - thanks to all the DIY recipes out there, you can easily create your own masks at home! 

🙏 EXPRESS GRATITUDE: WRITE IN A JOURNAL

There's always something to be grateful for, so take some time to count your blessings. Research has shown that gratitude improves your mental health and self-esteem, among many other benefits. 

🌞 GET SOME VITAMIN D

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining good mental and physical health, so now you have another excuse to head to your backyard for a quick sunbathing sesh in your JOLYN's! It's especially important to ensure you're getting your daily dose of Vitamin D and fresh air right now since you're most likely spending more time inside! Just make sure you bake responsibly by wearing SPF!

📱 TAKE A BREAK: PUT DOWN YOUR PHONE

Boredom from being cooped up at home during isolation can lead to endless hours spent scrolling on social media. We've been there. It's important to be aware of this, and take a break from technology every now and then to recharge. Instead, focus on doing something that you love such as cooking, meditation, exercise, or something creative.

🧘‍♀️ MOVE YOUR BODY: HAVE A YOGA/STRETCH SESH

Chuck on your fave JOLYN's, play some relaxing music and treat your mind and soul to yoga or a stretch session. Move at your own pace by choosing your own sequence of poses/stretches, or follow a free online yoga/stretch class on YouTube! 

Check out our list of Free Online Workouts blog for some workouts that we LOVE! 

 🧁 COOK OR BAKE: YOUR FAV MEAL OR SNACK

Now that you've got a little extra time on your hands, this is the perfect opportunity to get in the kitchen and bake your all-time fave treats, or cook a new meal you've been wanting to try for a while! Keep an eye out on our IG feed for our CHOC CHIP COOKIE bake-off videos - you might find a recipe you want to try out!

Check out our At-home Activity Inspo blog for some recipes that we LOVE! 

What will you be selecting off the self-care menu today? Let us know how you take care of yourself in the comments! 💬👩‍🍳🙏☀️🧖‍♀️☕💙📖

Check out 7 ways to build your self-esteem >>