Self Care Saturdays

So let’s jump straight into what we feel is so relevant right now, SELF CARE.

As another lockdown has ended and we return back to our busy worklives, keeping in check with yourself is so so important!

Why? Because self care is more than just a 30 minute workout once a week or spoiling yourself to a designer piece of clothing, it involves you listening to your needs and engaging in what makes you happy.

Life can be overwhelming at times, even when we haven’t got much to do, a lot can go on in our minds and that is why it is best to try and set yourself a structure to ease the turbulants of our thoughts.

Anxiety is felt throughout most of us in every walk of life, it has it’s different strengths and some deal with it better than others. Managing anxiety can really take a toll on some and others barely notice they have it. Following a few steps each day will help manage anxieties you may be facing.

Here are a few ways to keep you going;

1. Breathe, get into a comfortable position.
   Take a deep breath in through your nose, then purse your lips and create a small hole (like you’re blowing a kiss), then exhale gently and slowly. Once you’ve finished your exhale, close your mouth and breathe in through your nose to repeat the technique. Aim for 5 or 10 breaths.
   (Blow a Kiss Breathing Technique)
   
2. Write down something you are thankful for.
   Taking time to write on a piece of paper can make you take a step back and see in black & white what is important to you.
   
3. Set yourself a goal for the day, write it down & tick it off!
   Even if that is just going for a walk before or after work or washing your hair, small goals lead to productive days.
   
4. Various research has shown that spending time around nature has a calming effect and helps reduce stress and boosts creativity and concentration.
   
5. Have a social media break.
   Social media can consume you, don’t let it. Set yourself a timer in your screen time to tell you to come away.
   Too much time online can have more of an effect than you realise, not even just to yourself but others around you too by you not being present in a conversation (as your head is stuck in Instagram)
   
6. Reach out to a friend, keep in contact with those close to you.
   It is easy to distance ourselves from friends especially during this uncertain year we are facing, but check in with a friend. Let them know you are there, as they will be for you.
   
7. Finally do something that makes you happy.
   There is no right or wrong answer for this one, whatever makes you smile.. do it!