Taking care of our health is essential for our overall wellbeing, yet it is something we often overlook or take for granted amidst our busy lives. This week marks National Self-Care Week, an annual campaign that raises awareness about self-care and its impacts our health and wellbeing. The theme for this year is ’Mind and Body’, highlighting the significance of caring for both our mental and physical aspects of our health.
But what exactly is self-care?
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), self-care is the ability of individuals, families and communities to promote health, prevent disease, maintain health, and cope with illness and disability with or without the support of a health worker.
Essentially, self-care involves the steps we take to look after our health, by making thoughtful practices, habits, and lifestyle choices. Whether it’s indulging in a bubble bath or attending regular therapy sessions, self-care can look different for everyone.
Why is self-care important?
The modern world we live in is fast-paced often pushing us to lead busy lives, where we prioritise work and responsibilities over our own health. That’s why National Self-Care Week is so important; it reminds us to pause, reflect, and invest time in nurturing our mind and body. When we prioritise self-care, we not only feel better, but also improve other aspects of our lives.
In this blog, we share some self-care practices to support both your mind and body. Remember, self-care is a personal journey, so explore the tips to find what that works best for you.
Mind
Journal
Journalling is a powerful way to process your emotions and reduce stress. Taking a few minutes a day to do a brain dump and jot down your feelings and thoughts can improve mood and manage anxiety. Even if it’s a quick reflection on your day, this can be a valuable tool for your mental health.
Personal support system
Connecting with family and friends, in person or online, is very important for your mental health. A strong support system provides a safe space to express emotions and remind yourself that you’re not alone. Also, self-help therapy or professional therapy can offer guidance and support for when you need it most.
Hobbies
While we lead our busy lives, it’s important to engage in activities you love for a much-needed break. Take time to do your favourite activities or take up new hobbies such as learning a new language, crocheting, or hiking, to enhance your happiness and relieve stress.
Nature
Spending time in nature is not only beneficial for our physical health but also our mental health. Whether it’s walking in a park or tending to houseplants, nature can help calm anxiety and elevate mood, contributing to a greater sense of happiness.
Mindfulness
If you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, mindfulness practices like meditation and breathwork can help you focus on the present and relax your body. These techniques can improve focus, sleep, anxiety and more. If you’re not sure where to start, try out one of the apps in our guide of meditation apps.
Functional Mushrooms
Functional mushrooms, also known as medicinal mushrooms, offer various health benefits, including enhanced memory and cognitive function, increased focus, and sustained energy. Consider incorporating these powerful fungi into your routine with RAIN Flow State Mushrooms for a natural boost in mental clarity and productivity.
Body
Nutrition
One of the most significant factors affecting our overall health is nutrition. Prioritise eating balanced meals rich in vegetables, fruits, and protein and whole grains, to ensure you’re getting vital nutrients like fibre, minerals, and vitamins. For more detailed advice on nutrition, check out our blog on foods to eat to avoid blood sugar spikes.
Hydration
Given the numerous processes in our bodies that rely on water, staying hydrated is essential for our bodies to function properly. It is recommended to drink 2 to 2.5 litres (or around 8 cups) of fluid every day, such as water, herbal teas, or soup. For a refreshing start to your day, our in-house health expert, Marie Guerlain, suggests drinking warm lemon water in the morning to kickstart digestion and detox processes.
Sleep
Getting quality sleep and creating a consistent sleep routine is essential to resting and recovering your mind and body for the next day. It’s ideal for adults to get 7 to 9 hours of sleep every night at the same time, as suggested by the NHS.
Be active
The NHS recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate physical activity a week, or around 20 to 30 minutes a day. Incorporating simple exercises like jogging, stair climbing, or stretching can significantly benefit your physical health.
Skin and Body Care Rituals
While nourishing our bodies from the inside is essential, caring for the outside is equally as important. Establishing body care rituals can promote relaxation and boost your overall wellbeing.
Treat yourself to a relaxing bubble bath with bath salts, and set the mood with a soothing candle for the ultimate relaxation experience. A good habit to incorporate into your routine is dry brushing to support lymphatic drainage, exfoliate the skin, and reduce the appearance of cellulite. Follow this with a body lotion or oil to moisturise and replenish your skin. Simple rituals like these can transform your body care routine and contribute significantly to self-care. Visit our website for a selection of luxury and effective skincare essentials, such as our dry brush and CBD body oil.
Although these tips may seem simple and even obvious, they are often overlooked in our busy lives. However, incorporating these small practices into your routine can be incredibly effective in managing your health and prioritising self-care. We hope these tips support you in your journey towards optimal living for both your mind and body, not just during Self-Care Week but all year round.
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