[AD – GIFTED] 2018 was the year I really knuckled down with this whole self care business. Before I started blogging, I honestly had never heard of the phrase ‘self care’ before in my life and I didn’t realise that taking care of yourself was such a big business. I mean yes, I brushed my teeth when I woke up and had a shower whenever I whiffed a bit but I never really understood the importance of listening to your mind and body and well and truly taking care of number 1.
I feel like 2018 was the year I laid the foundations. I figured out where I was going wrong, where I was going right and also figured things out that I never really knew about myself and what I needed. I mean, who knew spending 7 hours on a Sunday playing Red Dead Redemption 2 was truly the self care I needed at one given time?
So now I’ve got the basics down, I feel like I could really optimize my self care this year and take it even further. In January and the first part of February alone, I already feel like I’ve improved it even more. Here’s how!
More Yoga
I’ve enjoyed Yoga for a number of years now. It’s helped me with my mental health and got me back into some form of exercise. But who’d have thought I actually needed more Yoga in my life? I now try and practice twice a day – once in the morning and once before bed – obviously it’s not possible every single day but on a whole, it’s exactly what I need.
A new nighttime routine
I actually have an entire blog post on this planned for later in the month because honestly, it’s changed my whole nighttime vibe. So I won’t go into too much detail but figuring out a nighttime routine that really works for me has worked wonders for my mental health, physical health and self care.
Increased pampering
Already this year I’ve been for 3 massages and seen the chiropodist to do my feet (literally I admire chiropodists – how they can look at feet every day, I have no idea). I’ve also tried to get back into a skincare routine (which for some reason, I find so hard?!) so I’m definitely putting a much larger focus on my pampering and doing things that feel, well, nice.
Some products which have helped with that are these products from Westlab, which were kindly gifted to me to help me have a spa-like experience, from the comfort of my own home. Westlab products are created with natural, high-grade, mineral salts to help balance the skin, body and mind.
These 3 products are all perfect to use in a relaxing bath. The cleansing bath fizzer was probably my favourite. Fizzy? Check. And it made the whole bathroom literally smell like a spa. At first, I thought the smell was a bit tangy (?) but after it’s been soaking in the bath, honestly it has the most gorgeous aroma. And I could smell it on myself for hours afterwards!
The salts are great because you get so much product in the bag. It’s recommended that you spend 20 minutes soaking in them, so they’re great for if you don’t have much time but need that little bit of a self care boost! They also smell absolutely gorgeous and I think I could really see some benefits of these after regular usage. You can also add the bath soak with the salts (also recommended), which is really soothing.
Getting stuck into lots of TV series
I love a good series. I much prefer watching a series than a film and as someone that really struggles to justify having downtime, a series is a perfect option. So I’ve been really knuckling down with watching all the series I want to watch, which has included Luther, Sex Education, Grace and Frankie and You which gives me a great opportunity to switch off.
Limiting my screen time
Last year, I dabbled with the new screen time app which was introduced with one of the iPhone updates. It lasted a few weeks then I gave up. But I turned them back on around mid way through January and it’s done a world of good. I have 3 hours of social media time a day (and surprisingly, I rarely use this up) and all apps (apart from communication and YouTube) get turned off at 9pm.
Journal almost every day
I’ve never been into journaling and writing down my feelings. Well now I am. Again, around mid way through January, I basically started to force myself to write in a notebook every day and just write how I was feeling or anything that came up. And the longer I did it, the more I wanted to do it. And now I write down my thoughts and feelings almost every day and I love it.
I’d love to hear about how you’re trying to improve your self care this year. Do you do any of the above?
* Products mentioned in this post were sent to me in exchange for a feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
[…] (or night) I can’t imagine many of us would want to do too much extra work on top of that. Self care and taking time for yourself is just as important! I’m really into survey sites, which I’m planning to do a more […]
[…] getting drunk and having fun with no real concern for what my mind, body and soul really needed. Self care comes in all shapes and sizes and massively varies depending on our own personal needs and […]
It’s so important to take the time to find evening routines that work for you isn’t it?x
It really is. And also not compare your routine to anyone else’s because we all benefit from different things 😌
I’m still pretty unsure of my self-care but I guess I need to be in the right mind to do it so maybe after I’ve done some of counselling next month! I really want to do yoga but I struggle going into groups to do it and I never know if I’m doing it right on my own! xD
Daisy xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived
You should check out my Yoga With Adriene practices for every mood post. She’s an amazing teacher and I’d say I’m pretty advanced at Yoga now and it’s all down to her. She teaches you brilliantly and takes it slow and steady!
It’s great to hear your putting more self care into your routine. Like you I hadn’t really heard of the term before I started blogging again, but it’s something I’ve been improving on this year. A pamper evening sounds heavenly and I’m always looking for new pamper products to try. P.S. I’m definitely with you on 7 hours of Red Dead Redemption 2!
Omg yes!!! I’ve just started it again from the beginning actually, it’s taken over my life 😂😂
It’s such a good game!! My bf just started it again from the beginning as well, lol.
I’m literally in love with Arthur. I’ve even bought a t-shirt with him on.
Ha, thats awesome! He’s such a great character.
I keep saying I want to start yoga but don’t know where to start really
I have a post called “Yoga With Adriene Practices for Every Mood” which might help!
I’m so excited to read your nighttime routine post when it goes up!! These products sound lovely and definitely are perfect for a pamper. I’ve also reduced my screen time loooaaads; I actually started working on this mid-December when I finished the term because I was spending a ridiculous, whopping 7-9 hours on my phone every day, horrendous 😮 It’s made such a positive impact in my life/self-care already, and I don’t see myself going back!
twinklexthoughts.blogspot.com
Oh my god!! That’s an insane amount of time. I’m not far off though to be honest and I made me feel sick knowing I basically spend my waking life looking down at this bloody device in my hand 😂😂
Right?! I felt sick when I realized it too after I saw my first screentime report. No good excuses for that obviously, and I needed to change the fact that I was spending so much time staring at a glorified piece of plastic & glass :’)
I’ve actually talked about a similar thing in a new post! Self care is so important and those tips are amazing!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Can’t wait to read your post!
Self care is so important! x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
[…] (or night) I can’t imagine many of us would want to do too much extra work on top of that. Self care and taking time for yourself is just as important! I’m really into survey sites, which I’m planning to do a more […]
I really need to get back into yoga. My self care was to eat more veg but I’m failing lately.
I don’t particularly enjoy Veg so I always struggle with that!
This made me giggle because I’d never really heard of the whole self care thing before blogging either. I’m with you on the feet thing, but I feel the same way about dentists? Those products sound great as a post workout option on sore muscles x
Sophie
http://www.glowsteady.co.uk
I don’t know how people can look at teeth all day either 🤢
Glad to see you are making such positive changes! I think limiting screen time is such a big one because it can make your brain so wired if you read something online and you just end up fixating on it and wasting time
Yep I agree, I found myself just brainwashed by my screen.
I try to practice self-care whenever I feel the need to, in whatever form that may take. It’s what you need at the time that’s important, be it binge-watching Netflix or whatever in bed, doing a longer skincare routine or using a face mask, or just getting some quiet time reading a book. 🙂
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip
Totally agree, that’s the amazing thing about self care. It can literally mean ANYTHING! 😌
Loved your post Jenny. It is so important to take care of yourself. We tend to put everybody elese before us and forget that we should be our number one person. So do what ever makes you happy.
Definitely agree. And if we’re not feeling the best then I don’t think we can give our best selves to others 😌
I love this post. We tend to forget to take care of ourselves. I love Yoga and it has really helped so much with my well being.
So glad to hear that! Yoga is my favourite thing in the world!
These are great differences. The bodycare products sound lovely.
http://littlemissmelanie.com
I love all of these! My self care this year has been going to the doctors for health concerns and playing tennis and swimming with family!
Amber | https://unequivocallyamber.wordpress.com/
Those are great acts of self care! I really want to start going swimming 😌
This post is right up my street! I love seeing how other people are incorporating self care into their daily lives. The spa experience you had with those three products from westlab sound amazing! I can’t stay in a bath long because of my eczema, so those salts sound like they’d be perfect for me. Journaling is something I’ve started doing, too; I used to do a more scrapbooky type one, but it took me forever to gather the motivation and sometimes, writing down your emotions is more powerful than trying to make everything look pretty, isn’t it? I could definitely do with limiting my screen time, though. I’m constantly on my phone when I’m settling down for the night, and I can only imagine how much that’s interrupting my sleep! I’ve just pinned your post.
They’re perfect for a semi-quick but relaxing dip in the bath! And yes I totally agree. I don’t have the patience to do all those artsy pages, I just wanna WRITE. And I think your emotions are more pure that way too.
I have found yoga and journaling to Ben so helpful in improving self care too! I really like the idea of the bed time routine I’ll certainly be giving that a try!!
Thanks for sharing
Mike
Yoga and journaling are two of my favourite forms of self care for sure!
It was only after I started blogging and watching a few more youtube videos that I actually learned about the phrase ‘self care’ as well. I’ve been doing a bit of yoga here and there, it’s really relaxing after running/spending time in the gym 6 times a week! In terms of skin care, I always do my face mask 2 times a week and wow I’ve never seen my skin clear up so quickly before!
I actually just bought a bullet journal to journal each month and progress etc. still have yet to write in it, I keep putting it off, but I really want to get into it with those perfect pointed pens haha, guess I’m rather picky when it comes to bullet journaling!
Sahara
http://saharas-dreams.blogspot.com
Haha! I have a journal but I wouldn’t call it a bullet journal. I don’t have the patience or the artistic flare to do all those fancy pages! Glad to hear your skincare routine really works for you 😌
Ohhhh Jenny, I just LOVE this post! I love that self-care is something people are coming to realise can be anything from drawing to playing a game! Spa’s are my perfect idea of self-care, although an expensive habit to pursue, so these Westlab products look absolutely g-o-r-g-e-ous! A bath soak and salts sound heavenly! I can’t wait to read about your renewed night time routine, I’ve been trying to get mine firmed out so I’ll happily welcome any tips you have! Your post has also totally re-inspired me to get back to journalling which always makes me feel good! Beautiful photographs btw!
Kate x
http://www.findingkate.co
Thanks so much Kate! Love that you had a self care related post up on the same day too 🙊 I think it’s great that people are reiterating that you know what, it’s totally okay to take time for ourselves and not feel guilty about it!
I’ve never really realised how Important self care is until I stated blogging and working full time. Pampering myself is my favourite form of self care! And also reading a good book! X
Same! Before blogging I’d never even heard of the phrase “Self Care” 🙊
Self care is so important and you have some great ideas. The WestLab products sound lovely.
I really need a better night time routine so look forward to that post.
Thank you 😌 That post is live soon, so I hope you like it!
I love a good self care day, but I don’t do it often enough! I really should get into a nighttime routine and reading is something I’ve gotten back into but again I don’t make enough time for it!
Jessica & James | http://www.foodandbaker.co.uk
The good thing is it’s super easy to carve out time to read, even if it’s only a chapter or so! 😌
These are all great steps to take! I am working on my nighttime routine too! Trying to switch of screens an hour before bed at least and then read. My sleep has improved so much! Trying to move away from shows i have already watched a thousand times and to discover new shows!
Haha that’s a good one! It’s always tempting to go back to the ones we know we love. My boyfriend and I like to rewatch things occasionally but I always try and watch a new series on my own.
I definitely need to take on board some of these tips as I think they could really help me to wind down at the end of each day. I’ve heard such great things about yoga, maybe I need to finally try it out as I need to get back into doing exercise too. Posts like these make me really miss having a bath, the bath fizzer sounds amazing especially if it makes it smell like a spa! I definitely don’t spend enough time pampering myself, I need to take a leaf out of your book. I can’t wait to hear more about your full night time routine.
Alice x
I have loads of posts about Yoga if you need some inspiration of where to start and what to do! 😌
Love the sounds of the salts! I’ve never had a massage but it’s something I definitely feel I need and would do me the world of good. I’ve been trying to mood track this month and I think it’s really helping me concentrate on the aspects of my life that make me happy. Also, reading and colouring in an adult colouring book are such relaxing ways to enjoy some me-time 🙂
Sarah x
http://www.saraheliza.co.uk
I’d definitely recommend a massage. Honestly I don’t know WHAT I did before I started having them, I must have been so tense all the time. I can’t get into adult colouring books sadly… or I just haven’t found one / the right materials I enjoy yet! 😌
I’ve been using their Epsom salts from b&m for a while might try the Himalayan ones for a change, I think they help soak aching muscles and period cramps well and I read it can restore magnesium levels (good if vegetarian)
I’m definitely going to use them for aching muscles more often. I do loads of Yoga and something is always aching!
I love this post, Jenny! It sounds like you have so many great self-care practices in place. Having a bath is one of my favourite ways to chill, it looks like Westlab do fantastic products, the seaweed, lemon and rose bath salts sound wonderfully relaxing. Getting stuck into a TV series is a great way to switch off and have downtime, me and my sis have just started watching Dirty John on Netflix after I saw your recommendation on Twitter – we are enjoying it so far, so thanks for the suggestion! Fab post lovely, looking forward to reading your nighttime routine post later this month too! <3 xxx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
Ah that’s okay! What episode are you on?! I’m only on episode 4 but I can’t believe how quickly it’s escalated! So creepy 🙊
Watched the third one last night, it’s so tense!! Looking forward to find out what happens next … 🙊
I’ve been trying to do at least one part of a ballet fitness DVD once a day, and I feel so much more energetic.
I love a good bath, so I’ll definitely keep an eye out for these.
Looking forward to your night time routine post 🙂
Cora | http://www.teapartyprincess.co.uk
Thank you! It’s live soon 😌 Getting moving every day, even just a little bit, is so beneficial!
Self care is so important. I love finding time each week to just chill and have a little pamper session. It always makes me feel so much better xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Glad you manage to find that time for yourself! 😌
Mine is mainly on skin care because I’m getting into some really bad habits (like never taking make up off properly) but I want to extend this into being able to have more down time. Fantastic post – and really looking forward to your nighttime routine one now!
Thank you! It’s up soon 😌 I’ve still not perfected my skincare. Although I do always take my make up off, so that’s a bonus!
I feel we all do ourselves a disservice by forgetting ourselves unselfish care, these are great tips x
I totally agree. If we can’t look after ourselves and be the best version of ourselves then how are we supposed to look after others?
YES to pampering! I think my body hates me and is telling me via aches and pains. x
Lizzie
http://www.lizziescorner.co.uk
Oh I get a LOT of those 😂 Think that’s just what being an adult is like hahaha! Although I didn’t think I’d get this much back pain in my 20’s xxx
They look lush! I love a good bath pamper session 🙂
Me too, haven’t had one in a while! 😌
I needed this wake- up call, Jenny, as I am at the bottom of the pile when it comes to what I should be doing for me!
Then I’m very glad you found this post! 😌
So am I!
Reblogged this on anita dawes and jaye marie.