Self-care is the best care
As we approach summer season, your diary may be action packed with long awaited reunions and social events. It is easy to get caught up in the busyness of life and neglect your wellbeing. It is important to be extra kind to yourself and create more opportunities to relax your body and mind during this season. Choose a few self-care strategies that work for you and take time to unwind.
Here are some of my favourite simple self-care practices:
Bath time bliss
Picture the scene. A luxurious soak with your favourite bath oil or bath bomb. Dim the lights and light up your favourite scented candle. This is a simple way to recharge and pamper yourself. Soothing baths can help melt the day away and relax tense muscles and are an easy, accessible way to get some much needed self-care in. Check out this fantastic oat & honey bath recipe by @thehomelyhaven for a perfect self-care bath.
Movement is Medicine
Get outside and embrace walks in nature and the great outdoors. Also getting out in fresh air is extremely beneficial as Vitamin D can help boost your mood and mindset. Moreover, when you exercise or move in any way shape or form, your body releases the “happy hormone” named endorphins that can help relieve stress and raise energy levels. Any movement is better than no movement at all.
If you need some workout inspiration @ianyoungonline has created this fat burning 4 minute workout that you can complete while cooking your morning oats - no more excuses!
Get creative in the kitchen
Now is the perfect time to try some new refreshing recipes. Aim for nutritious and a colourful range of seasonal fruit vegetables to create summer salads to enjoy. Or if you are feeling indulgent, why not whip up some tasty homemade treats such as oat based cookies, flapjacks or home-made bakes. The wonderful Jane from Vital Nutrition has some fabulous ideas and recipes that are simple to recreate using Whites Oats. Check out this Peach, Hazelnut & Chia Overnight Oats recipe for a delicious summertime breakfast. For a throwback to childhood why not try this delicious recipe for Raspberry Ruffle Energy Balls.
Swim in the sea
Swimming in the sea is euphoric, exhilarating and refreshing. Personally, it rejuvenates my mind and body whilst setting me up for the day. Even though you may not live near the sea, put it in your bucket list to visit a beach or bay and take a little dip in the ocean. It is fast becoming one of my favourite hobbies and there are multiple proven benefits such as improving blood circulation, reducing anxiety and can promote a sense of calmness.
Write down one good thing per day
One of my favourite quotes is:
"Everyday may not be good but there is something good in everyday”.
Aim to practice gratitude daily by putting pen to paper and writing down one good thing a day. This simple yet effective activity is a daily visual reminder of the positive aspects of your life.
Rest and Recuperate
To avoid feeling tired and drained during the warmer summer months, aim to get your 8 hours of sleep. Top tip: If possible, make your bedroom a tech free zone to improve your quality of sleep. Instead of scrolling on your phone, try reading from a book to help you drift off into a peaceful slumber. I also am partial to taking naps here and there and I don’t feel guilty about them as they increase my productivity levels. Aim to remove the guilt of resting and taking breaks here and there. It’s not laziness. It is your body and minds’ way of recuperating and recharging.
Remember you can’t pour from an empty cup. Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential.
ABOUT THE PANELIST
Inspiring Confidence & Promoting Wellbeing
Little Penny Thoughts was launched as a Facebook page by Annette Kelly and has over half a million followers across social media platforms. Every day we share uplifting quotes and inspiring mantras with the aim of encouraging confidence and promoting wellbeing within others.
We believe in taking it “One day at a time” and that we all need a little sparkle of positivity daily in order to survive and thrive.
