Self Care – it’s a term that’s thrown around a lot these days. I’m sure a lot of you can’t scroll through Instagram without seeing self care mentioned or implied at least once. A luxurious bath, a coffee face scrub, an aromatherapy massage – that’s what we automatically think of when we think of self care. It’s become such a powerful way to market all kinds of wellness and beauty products. You might even think that the only way to take good care of yourself is to shell out some cash. I mean, ‘Treat yo’self!’ – right?
I read a really interesting article the other day on Self called ‘Why your self care methods aren’t working’. The article mentioned how even though we are consistently being bombarded by these messages of self care our stress levels still seem to be increasing. Hell I’ve even caught myself stressing about not doing enough self care, and I’m sure I’m not the only one.
It’s not just a bubble bath…
But perhaps it’s not about spending your hard earned cash on that new fancy 100% natural vegan face mask full of essence of a rare ancient flower just discovered deep in the rain forest so that you can put it on whilst soaking in a glittery flower bath and of course making sure you get a nice pic for Instagram whilst doing so (you totally would though, wouldn’t you? No judgement – I would, that’s for damn sure!). Because let’s face it, even if putting on that face mask feels lovely (which I’m sure it would), the self care aspect doesn’t actually come from the face mask. If you put on the face mask and then proceed to go through your to-do list for tomorrow then you’ll come out of it feeling just as stressed as you did before (granted you’d have gorgeous glowing skin).
The self care element comes from taking time away from the world and away from your stresses. It comes from being fully present. It comes from, as the article says, “carving out some space to be fully focused on your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.” – it’s not up to the face mask, it’s up to you. It’s about looking inwards and consciously letting go of your worries.
Self care can be whatever you want it to me…
This can come in many forms. Whether it’s a face mask and a bubble bath, a yoga practice, a walk, a hardcore gym session, a meditation session, a jog, mountain biking, painting, crafting, the list goes on. As long as it’s something that allows you to be fully present. Something that allows you to let go of everything else. If it allows you a moment of just being, then it’s self care.
Maybe you (gasp) don’t even need to spend any money at all!
For me, I like practising yoga, being in nature (whether it’s walking, biking, hiking or something else entirely), going on camping trips, eating dinner with my family, snuggling up on the sofa and watching Netflix with Pete and yes I do enjoy the occasional face mask tub time! I’m also trying incorporate a more consistent meditation practice into my routine and setting aside some ‘no-phone-time’
What are your self care secrets friends?
Read the Self article here and if you want to make sure you don’t miss any of my blogs or class updates then sign up to my newsletter.
Until next time! Sx
