Many of us find it hard to take time for ourselves and simply switch off. But with stress levels soaring during the pandemic, it is more important than ever to invest in your wellbeing and practise self-care.
The fitness and wellness industry’s latest advice is simple: give yourself a break. New research is emphasising that we should try and be kinder and gentler to ourselves. With January 2021 fast approaching, fitness companies such as Fitbit would usually be recommending ways on how to stay fit over the festive period but this year they are concentrating on being healthy as a whole. This includes getting enough sleep, managing stress and eating well.
I know how hard it can be to take a break, with work, family life, and everything else in-between, we can sometimes feel guilty for enjoying some time to ourselves. But even if it is just 30 minutes a day, we must remember to rest for a moment or two, reflect on the day, and prepare ourselves for what is coming next. I have a few ways I like to do this and I find it makes such a difference.
1. Take a Hot bath.
It may seem the cliché way to de-stress but a relaxing bath can host so many benefits. Stress causes the muscles of the body to contract so a warm bath can relive those symptoms, keeping the muscles loose. A bath can also improve your heart health while cleansing and moisturising your skin. I personally like to add a few drops of our Serenity Bath Oil. It soothes and stimulates skin and spirits, lifting your mood, restoring your inner calm and leaving your skin soft, supple and silky smooth.
2. Enjoy a Long walk.
Every day I like to make sure I get out of the house and get some fresh air. I love the calmness of being surrounded by nature with no phones and no computer screens. Walking is the easiest form of exercise and is proven to lighten your mood and improve your sleep. I try and get out for a minimum of 45 minutes every day and I love how refreshed I feel when I am back home.
3. Listen to a Podcast
Wherever I am, I enjoy listening to podcasts. The podcast can be funny, insightful or inspirational, there’s one for every mood, and perfect if you never seem to have time to read. Here are some of my favourite podcasts and TedTalks to listen to when I want to take some time to myself.
Say ‘Sayonara’ to Stress
Stress is a modern epidemic, especially with the pressures we face in today’s society. It doesn’t have to be the enemy though, as evidenced in this brilliant talk from Kelly McGonigal, ‘How to make stress your friend’. She teaches us how to harness stress in a healthy way, using it to motivate, to help make decisions and to prioritise.
Be Happy and Live Longer
One of my favourite TEDtalks is Robert Waldinger’s, ‘What makes a good life? Lessons from the longest study on happiness’. It shows that regardless of economic background or career success, it is connection that defines quality of life and increases our longevity.
Master your Mindset
Tim Ferriss is an absolute legend in mindset mastery circles; and the practise of learning to identify your thought processes so that you can overcome them. His talk, ‘Why You Should Define Your Fears Instead of Your Goals’, is a revolution in how we think about what we achieve and I urge you to listen to it.
There are so many methods of relaxing and ways to take time-out. Get to know your body, physically and mentally and discover what works best for you.
Love, Jane x