8 Self-Care Tips To Try At Home
The past couple of years have changed our lives in ways we could never have imagined. With the news giving us a constant supply of topics to worry about, the pandemic has certainly taken its toll on our wellbeing. Our homes have always been a shelter, a place for privacy and a sanctuary for us to wind down. But now more than ever, our homes are important as a space where we feel most at ease and can enjoy the things we love doing. So in honour of World Mental Health Day on Sunday 10th October, we wanted to take a look at small things you can do at home to take care of yourself and your mental wellbeing.
What is Self-Care?
Self-care refers to the ways we can look after ourselves and prioritise our mental wellbeing. This could be through taking care of our bodies, minds or emotional health. With modern society adding pressures and stresses to our daily lives, self-care is about small acts we can take to make a difference to our mental health. So with that in mind, let's take a look at 8 self-care tips you can do from the comfort of your own home.
1. Create your own snug sanctuary
Come rain, come shine, we all need a cosy space. Find a place in your home and claim it as your own. If you love reading, create a book corner with lots of blankets and pillows. If you’re a film fanatic, stack your old DVDs and make a mini-home cinema. Create an outdoor retreat in your garden with fairy lights and comfy seats. The perfect place for a breath of fresh air. It could even just be your bedside table stocked with candles and essential oils. Wherever it is in your home, set aside a place to be “your space” to focus on you.
Credit: Unsplash
2. Let the light in
As the seasons change, people can often feel like there is a black cloud over their heads. SAD (seasonal affective disorder) is a type of depression that is linked to changes in the seasons. It can often make us feel unhappy and moody. And with the cold nights looming, it’s important to let in as much light as possible into our lives. Nothing beats a walk in the fresh air to get your daily dose of vitamin D but if the weather’s keeping you in at home why not try out a SAD lamp to simulate daylight. Other tips include using mirrors in your home to reflect the light, painting with light colours and keeping those curtains wide open.
Credit: @iknownothingaboutinteriors
3. Do a home workout
Not only does exercise improve your overall health, but it also releases chemicals called endorphins. Endorphins are ‘happy’ chemicals that your brain needs to help you feel more positive. Need some inspiration? Check out Joe Wicks’ workout videos on YouTube. We can guarantee he’ll get you moving! When you feel good, you do good.
4. Make time for yoga
Did you know that yoga can help your mental wellbeing? Not only is yoga a great form of exercise but it also relieves anxiety, helps you sleep better and improves your balance and flexibility. If you’re a beginner, check out yoga with Adrienne on YouTube. Her videos are free, and they teach you the basics of yoga. After watching a few videos, you’ll be a master! If you’re not big on exercise, meditation is a great way to focus on your mind and body.
5. Bring the outdoors in
Looking to bring some nature into your home? Adding houseplants is a great way to feel connected with nature. So, get your shoes on, and pop down to your local garden centre. Peppermint and lavender are great herbs and plants to have in your home. They are known to lower frustration and boost your alertness.
Credit: @the.bonnie.bohemian
6. Get creative!
Self-care isn’t just about eating well and exercising, it’s also about feeding your soul. Being creative helps us connect to our inner self and who we are as a person. If you haven’t picked up a paintbrush in a while, get creative and go wild with some paints. Paint your old furniture and bring it back to life. If you have an empty wall in your home, make it a statement piece and add some textured wallpaper. Or if you're brilliant at painting, create a gorgeous mural.
7. Create a routine
Feeling like everything is a little all over the place? Create a routine or plan that will help you complete everyday tasks such as cooking, work and personal priorities. Find an old notebook and write down your goals for the day.
8. Journal your thoughts
Recording your thoughts and frustrations is a great way to improve your mental wellbeing. It helps us reflect on how we feel. It’s also a great way to see how far you have come too! Often people get a sense of relief when they record down what’s worrying them. So, pick out your favourite notebook and get scribbling.
We hope you've found some useful tips on how to destress from the comfort of your own home. If you need further help, click here for some useful information on the NHS website. Remember, you’re not alone!
Take a look at these websites you can visit that provide useful information: