When Autumn comes along our skin, minds and bodies needs sometimes change. Our skin can become dry and cracked as changes with the weather have an affect on it. The temperate drop can mean you find it hard to get warm and some of us begin to suffer from seasonal depression and low mood. Anxiety over the Christmas rush, financial struggles and this year immense changes due to the global pandemic. So this self care post is going to be a little different to the norm I suppose! I also did a ‘Cosy self care’ post for last years Scriptober challenge!
Mind
When we say self care we don’t necessarily always think about our mental health and mind in general. I think it’s is so important to look after your mind as well as your body.
Mental stimulation is definitely a huge part of my self care. I find what works for me, what inspires and motivates me and what makes me feel happy, positive, balanced and at ease. I allow myself time to read a book so that I can escape reality as well as a film or show that uplifts me. I practise hobbies that make me feel happy, allow me to learn and have fun with. I have phone games that keep me occupied and boost my spirit too. These things help me feel balanced. They are intriguing and fun without causing an overload and overwhelm. They are tasks in which I can feel calm and rested whilst doing.
Other parts of my mental self care are things like being honest with myself, checking in on my mental state, triggers and prevention so I can be as on top of my struggles as possible. I also try to give myself some alone time where I can just completely wind down and have space from the world, people and the struggles outside the walls of my home; Since the world is a hectic place lately it is so important we take some time out from it to clear our minds and focus on our own individual struggles and wants instead of the whole worlds!
It’s really important to promote self care for your mental health to avoid self destruction and self sabotage. Our minds are just as important as our bodies! If you’re a parent it is so important you give yourself time alone and time to wind down. I have my three little nieces and nephew living with me and it can be so overwhelming some days so I ensure time to myself when possible to rekindle my thoughts and give myself some peace and quiet.
Inner Body
Self care can be anything from brushing our teeth and doing our skincare each day to doing a daily exercise routine. It all depends on the person, their lifestyle and their own personal needs. Someone in a low place will have very different ideas of what self care can be. When you struggle with depression and things like that, even brushing your teeth and showering can be a mammoth task and you should be so proud of yourself. Sometimes with self care it is baby steps. The small things matter!
For me, exercise hasn’t been part of my life other than doing the school run. My gym hasn’t long reopened and to be honest I haven’t had time to fart, let alone get to the gym for a workout each week! Having three children in my home with different nursery and school and then doing my own work on top has been hectic so I am trying to ease up the pressure to get fit at the moment.
With my diet I am always one to embrace balance. We can eat vegetables, fruit and healthy meals whilst also allowing ourself to indulge in delicious desserts! I find that keeping balance helps my mind. It helps me cope with my ED recovery and journey whilst teaching myself that food is a good thing!
Skin, hair, nails and soul!
This kind of self care is focused around our skin, hair, nails and I guess you could say soul. We all need a good pamper from time to time and that may look different for each person but is very much based on what you enjoy and what your mind, body and soul needs.
For me I am obsessed with having a candle lit bubble bath and embracing my perfect evening routine with a favourite beverage, my current read or playlist and gorgeous Autumnal or Halloween bath products. I always feel fresh, clean, calm and balanced after a lovely bath. I finish my bath time with some body moisturiser, some comfy clothes, conditioning spray in my hair and all finished off with my facial skin routine, hydrating my skin and using calming products ready for winding down in bed with a pot of hot lemon water.
Every month I will dedicate some time to file, buff and polish my nails so I feel a little more confident and pampered. It is just a lovely feeling to have a little refresh and change sometimes whether you do it yourself or head to your local nail technician (safely during COVID).
All of these things can really feed your soul and help you feel grounded and refreshed. I definitely suggest finding what works for you and finding time for a good pamper session whether that be alone or with your favourite people.
Thank you for reading! What kind of self care do you practise?
Stay wonderful!
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