For everyone that knows me, there is one thing I never compromise on - and that's ME!
Whilst I may think twice about an expensive splurge on new shoes or bags, I never hesitate when it comes to investing in my health and overall wellbeing. I am on my way to mastering the ultimate self care day.
Here are my top tips for celebrating yourself and my favourite splurge suggestions that should never leave you feeling guilty. You may not be able to have a day to yourself so easily, but even a self care hour every once in a while can make a huge difference.
08.00
I start my day no earlier than 8. I am not a morning person (never have been), which is why the earliest appointment in my clinics will always be 10. Breakfast is not really my thing either, as I struggle eating first thing in the morning. However, on a self care day I will always treat myself to a nice vegetarian breakfast or brunch. It'll either be something like granola and fruit or eggs with beans & sour dough bread. Yum! Your relationship with food is an important one for a healthy mind. Being too strict with diets can sometimes do more harm than good. The key to eating healthy is moderation. On my self care day, there will will always be chocolate to accompany breakfast...
Brekkie on a self care day (Birthday Edition)
09.00
3 minute showers are great for the environment, but can also be quick and boring. I like to play my favourite music and have a Mariah Carey singalong and pamper myself with something other than the usual Palmolive shower gel. My favourite shower treats are the Champney's 'Oriental Opulence Shower Gel', Rituals 'The Ritual of Ayurveda Foaming Shower Gel' or L'Occitane 'Almond Shower Oil'. Follow up with your favourite body oil or moisturiser. Mine is this delicious Nourishing Body Oil from Olverum, I get through bottles of this stuff!
You can buy this directly from OLVERUM, as well as Sephora and Space NK
10.00
This one may be an odd addition to a self care day, but I do like a little tidy around the house. I've found putting on music makes it enjoyable and for me, a clear physical space really declutters my mind. It's not always a case of deep cleaning the oven, but even ticking a few things of your life admin list can make you feel amazing. Ultimately, that is what self care is about - feeling good. Organisation is one of those things that make people feel good and so it's one that I recommend. I've been trying to live a little more minimalistic over the last few years by letting go of things I no longer need or use. This has been really useful for organising my wardrobe and I feel good that I'm living a little more sustainably.
13.00
Along with lunch, now is also a great time for a workout. I'll be the first to admit I strongly dislike the gym but I've found other ways to keep active whilst having fun. Yoga is a popular activity for many and I recommend Gloria Pretelli Yoga who teaches in East & South London. She is kind, patient and a great teacher.
If you're struggling with exercise maybe try and go with a friend. My absolute favourite tried and tested workouts are the ones in disguise - yoga, salsa, bachata and pole dancing. If you hate the gym like me, give these a try. You get fit, boost your confidence, make friends and all whilst having fun.
Anything is possible if you put your mind to it!
15.00
Spend some time practicing gratitude. What are you grateful for in life? Friends and family? A great job? A cosy home? It's a good time to check in with those you love and share something positive with them. In such a busy world, where everyone seems to be highly social online more people than ever are feeling lonely. Remember you are loved, and sometimes reaching out and catching up with people can make a huge difference to someone's day. I have a scrapbook of photos that I put together during lockdown that I flick through and these memories really put a smile on my face. Life is hard sometimes, no matter what Instagram portrays but there are so many things to feel grateful and thankful for.
17.00
It can be hard to get to a salon for a little pamper, but the great news is that there are so many mobile therapists that offer affordable treatments in the comfort of your own home. This option isn't ideal for everyone and I understand why the tranquil setting of a spa can beat a busy home of kids and pets but if you can lock yourself away for an hour it is worth it! I use ATB Beauty on Facebook to find local therapists in Essex to come over and I try to treat myself to something such as a full body massage on a self care day. I can recommend Mind Body & Soul by J based in Grays, Essex, she has over 10 years experience, is incredibly professional and a brilliant massage therapist.
18.00
If you're super organised, you would have prepared dinner this morning. If, like me you cook spontaneously and last minute then insert [cooking your favourite meal] here. I enjoy cooking, so I don't mind it on a self care day. However, the last one I had, I did order in Nando's which was just as nice.
19.00
Do something you love for an hour! After dinner it's a great ritual to wind down and do something you love. You can light a candle or oil burner and read a book (I'm currently reading 'How To Do The Work' by Dr Nicole LePera, Amazon). I also enjoy doing creative things such as a music lesson or a bit of crafting. There are so many online classes available in absolutely everything so you do not have to travel into London. An online language lesson is a great way to stimulate your brain and makes you feel a sense of achievement. Or you could simply have a bath and a glass of wine.
20.00
As I start to wind down for the evening, I like to focus on my skincare ritual and this is something I really enjoy doing.
When I have time, I typically:
Cleanse
Exfoliate
Face mask
Toning Pads
Apply Skin Brightening Serum
Moisturise/Facial Oil
I will occasionally do an at home microneedling session using the Meso-Melt Infusion Microneedling System by Sarah Chapman or use the Dr. Dennis Gross at home chemical peel pads. Both of these are safe and gentle enough to do at home.
21.00
The day ends for me with a movie or Netflix episode in bed. I'm currently re-watching Breaking Bad, which I am enjoying just as much as I did the first time round. In these cold winter months I also have an electric blanket which probably is drying on the skin, but omg it feels super luxurious jumping into bed!
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