If you've been on the go all Summer, now might be the time to slow down, relax and enjoy a little me time.
There have been too many stress-filled days over the past two years, and with world events and skyrocketing fuel and food prices, it's easy to neglect yourself when all the news is negative. Here are some self-care habits to help boost your well-being.
Create a cosy space
Bring out the throws, light one of our essential oil candles to promote a soothing, relaxing vibe, and you have a space you can't wait to snuggle up and unwind. Aromatherapy candles and diffusers create an oasis of calm, helping you de-stress.
Some good old-fashioned aromatherapy will help you relax. Try our Grapefruit & Neroli, Lavender & Lemon or our popular Rose Geranium candles - each exquisitely crafted for a clean, even burn. Live Well candles are perfect for any room in your home.
Visit a farmer's market.
Autumn is a fantastic time to visit your local farmer's market; look out for whole foods, tasty artisan bread, cheeses and local seasonal vegetables, which are excellent for making nutritious soups.
It's also lovely to spend time browsing the different stalls without the pressure of the supermarket dash!
Bath time routine
Run a deep bath – pour some aromatherapy bath salts or bath oils and take a long luxurious soak. A warm bath before bed helps soothe the body and mind.
Meditation and Mindfulness
If you're into Yoga or meditation, squeezing in a few minutes each day is beneficial.
Take a look at the various meditation apps available or pop on some headphones and listen to your favourite music. https://www.calm.com. And local to us in Salisbury is Claire Sankey, who teaches Yoga and mindfulness. https://www.clairesankey.com
Walk the Walk
As Autumn approaches and the days become shorter and colder, it's the best time to be outdoors. Visits to the local parks and countryside blow the cobwebs away, and walking is excellent for physical and mental health. Even a short brisk 10-minute walk a day is beneficial.
Some beautiful areas in Wiltshire have plenty of places to walk and explore. The New Forest is amazing and boasts excellent walks and great pubs where you can have a leisurely Sunday lunch. A favourite for great food is the Three Lions at Stuckton. https://www.thethreelionsrestaurant.co.uk/
Self-care ideas
Try something new, like our green tea facial cleansing mask, to give your skin a pick-me-up.
Switch off your tech and meet a friend for coffee.
Snuggle up and read a book.
Take up a new hobby.
Buy yourself a plant or bunch of flowers.
Declutter your home
Spend time with your pet
Bake
Enjoy the simple things.
Make homemade soup. Many amazing recipes are available online, and a hearty and wholesome soup is comforting and full of essential vitamins.
While watching the pennies, you can save power by using a slow cooker. These nifty kitchen devices will cook soups and stews at a steady and controlled temperature using only the power of a lightbulb. I've had my slow cooker/crock-pot for years, and it's still going strong.
Nutrition for Wellness
Even though It's early October, there are still plenty of immune-boosting blackberries to pick. When collecting them, I'm mindful to leave enough for the wildlife.
Blackberries are the perfect partner for apple crumbles, pies, and a delicious and nutritious snack added to yoghurt and breakfast cereals.
This year's hot Summer has produced an abundant crop of apples and berries, so make the most of the autumn harvest, cook and freeze them for use over winter. The antioxidants in apples and blackberries are great for your skin.
Why is self-care so important?
Because we all need time to slow down, we become more mentally, physically and spiritually relaxed when we take time to prioritise our own needs before helping others.
Be kind and unwind
If you've got a "to-do" list, put your needs at the top. Be mindful that other people can monopolise your time, and don't feel obliged to do every favour others ask of you. Set clear boundaries so your free time is for you to spend as you wish.
Give yourself a hug
Thank you for checking in. If you want to share or leave a comment, it's always appreciated.
Pam x