GIFTED | I’m going to be honest… I’ve been shit at looking after myself within the last few years. I mean, I attended my cervical screening when invited to make sure all was a-okay down there, I go to my 6 monthly contraception reviews with the nurse, I get my eyes checked when I’m due an eye test and check my boobs often enough. But as for everything else. Phish. I’ve quite frankly neglected myself. And it’s not a good feeling.
This is something I’ve been aware of for quite a while but the motivated to actually do anything about it was well, non-existent basically. A variety of factors have contributed to me and my ‘lack of self care’, including laziness, being too tight with my money and feeling of being overwhelmed with how much god-damn self maintenance being a human actually requires. It’s exhausting.
When it comes to self care – the type of self care we all talk about these days – I feel like I’ve got a pretty good grip on it. I have a nap if I need a nap. I treat myself when I want a treat. I do all the ‘basic‘ stuff you need to actually look and feel like an acceptable human being on a day to day basis. But anything that requires any more effort that that? You can forget it.
But enough is enough. I know where I’m going wrong and what I need to do to change so here are some of the things I’ve been doing in order to take better care of myself physically and mentally this year so far:
A new skincare routine
I invested (quite a bit of money, for me anyway) into some skincare products from the new My Clarins range, which are all cruelty-free and Vegan products designs specifically for millennials. It was time I actually put some love and effort into my skin which is one of the main things I’ve been neglecting over the last few years.
I suffer with hormonal acne, brought on by the pill I’m on. It’s not a HUGE deal. Of all the side effects I could possibly get, I can manage this one. But it’s just annoying and my skin got so bad I kinda just gave up on it. Cos it nothing worked then what’s the point? But I’m really enjoying these products and adopting a new skincare routine.
More Yoga
I’m around a stone heavier than what I want to be right now. I absolutely do not agree with or take part in any sort of fad diet but I want to be healthier, stronger and fitter and preferably, back down to the weight that I feel best in in my body. Yoga is the only exercise I really enjoy, so I’ve really made an effort to up my Yoga practices and do more intense practices. Which always make me feel amazing afterwards!
Investing in teeth whitening
I’ve never liked my teeth. They’re relatively straight but a little gappy at the top. They’re not that white and I was never offered braces when I was younger. I’ve never had any problems with my teeth, apart from 2 fillings over 10 years ago but they’re just not a part of my body I’ve ever prioritized. Obviously I brush them twice a day but that’s about as far as I go.
A couple of weeks ago, my boyfriend mentioned teeth whitening and that he wasn’t happy with his teeth either then shortly after that, I was contacted by White Glo*, asking if I’d like to try some of their products. Timing or what? So knowing I could definitely benefit from some teeth whitening, I said yes and I’ve been using the White Glo toothpaste twice a day for a couple of weeks now.
The set comes with it’s own toothbrush, which is really soft and nice to use. The toothpaste itself is a relatively nice taste too and I’m definitely enjoying using it. But have I seen any results? Well, I’ve been using it for a month now and my teeth are definitely whiter. It’s encouraged me to take better care of my teeth and invest in other products to enhance that but yep, there’s definitely some noticeable results there!
I was also sent the Bright Nights Instant Whitening Dissolving Strips, which are really handy if you’re going out, as they’re an instant boost of whiteness! Using these White Glo products have encouraged me to invest in more teeth whitening products to help me along and hopefully encourage me to take better care of my teeth and dental hygiene too!
Not being too tight with my money when it comes to self maintenance
Which brings me onto my next point. I’ve always had this mindset that most things are a waste of money. I wouldn’t consider myself tight with my money. I go on holiday, I pay for equipment I need for blogging, I treat myself to takeaway etc. But any beauty related products, I always felt were a waste of my money. I mean, who am I to be spending money to make myself look nice?!
Which I know is the complete wrong mindset to have. I’m very sensible with money and I pride myself on that and I’m never going to be one to splurge and go on massive shopping sprees. But I’m definitely shifting my mindset in this respect and if it’s something that will benefit me and make my life better, if I can afford it, then I’ll buy it.
Taking some time out
This one definitely falls under the mental health category but is equally as important as physical health I believe. I’ve finally learnt to take time out for myself and just switch off because being constantly on 24/7 is never, ever helpful. This is something I’ve always struggled with. And still do. But I’ve learnt the benefits of completely switching off from work, blogging and doing anything productive because chilling the F out is important too.
How are you taking better care of yourself in 2019? Have you adopted any new practices? Got rid of anything which wasn’t serving you anymore?
* Items mentioned in this post marked with a (*) were gifted to me in exchange for a feature. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Love the my Clarins range!
Mollie | https://mollieclarke.co.uk
I have also started a fancier skincare routine and it is making a bigger difference than I ever even imagined! Good post ❤
Thank you 😌
I’ve heard so many good things about My Clarins
Would highly recommend z
I’ve finally started exercising again and I’m feeling so much better x
http://www.ofbeautyandnothingness.co.uk
So glad to hear that!
These are such great suggestions, Jenny! I’ve only recently got back into regular yoga again, but it’s amazing what a difference it can make in a short space of time. I’m the same as you, I never really spend much money on beauty products, however recently I am taking more of an interest. I agree, it’s definitely worth investing in good quality products, especially for skincare. I’ll have to check out the My Clarins range when I’m next out shopping – thanks for the recommendation! Great post! <3 xxx
Bexa | http://www.hellobexa.com
I’d highly recommend the My Clarins range! 😍 xxx
I really want to take up yoga. Teeth whitening is great too, it makes me feel great.
Thank you for sharing.
Alyssa
THESACREDSPACEAP.COM
I have lots of posts about yoga if you need any guidance 😌
I’m very much like you Jenny, I fail to take proper care of myself. My New Year’s Resolution this year was to start taking better care of myself. Yoga is something I decided to give a try, but haven’t done anything about it yet. I’m glad to hear it works for you and I really need to try it. I thought I’d try meditation too – taking the approach of taking care of the inside to reflect the outside xxx
Ashley
https://lellalee.com
Meditation and Yoga go hand in hand for me. I always incorporate a few minutes of meditation into my yoga practice 😌 I have plenty of posts about yoga if you need any guidance!
It’s so important to look after ourselves, I wish I was doing better at it, but in all honestly, I’m not looking after myself as well as I should. I feel like it’s not a bad thing investing money into self care, the idea of buying new products for a skin care routine sounds amazing right now!
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
It’s definitely a tricky mindset. I still feel a little guilty every time I buy myself some sort of skincare !
Love this! I’ve been meaning to get into yoga for some time now so this post has given me some inspiration to try and give it a go. x Lovely post!
I have lots of posts with suggestions and things about Yoga! If you ever need any guidance 😌
I definitely need to take more time out for myself but I always seem to be either working or blogging which I love but it’s always nice to just take some time for yourself. I love having a good skincare routine, when my skins all clean I feel 100% better! X
Definitely agree! I love blogging but I need to give myself some time out occasionally 😌
Yoga definitely makes the world of difference for me!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Me too 😌
great post! taking care of yourself is so important and while i’ve got the splurging part of self care down the mundane every day stuff is what i need to be better about. eating healthier is something i really need to work on xx
mich / simplymich.com
The mundane stuff can be really difficult!
I’m so bad at taking care of my skin as well–will definitely be working on this now that the weather is getting warmer and dryer 🙂
Glad this has given you a boost 😌
It’s so important to implement little changes that make a big difference x
Totally. Little changes soon make a big difference x
I enjoyed reading this post! I also tend to neglect myself physically, and I don’t even do some of the things you mentioned such as getting my eyes checked! So it sounds like you’re doing better than me. I’ve also just started a skincare routine! I have no idea which products to use but the My Clarins range sounds great because I’m aiming to only use vegan and cruelty-free products. I’ve also just started using Laviish Smile Teeth Whitening Polish which is vegan, cruelty free and has natural ingredients, but I haven’t been using it long enough to comment on whether it works! It sounds like you are having great results with the White Glo products x
I’d definitely recommend My Clarins for really good high quality vegan and CF products! 😌
Learning to take time out is a big one for me. When I’m full on with something, especially something I’m excited about, I literally never stop (recipe a day May). I’m planning on taking the last week of May off as soon as I’ve finished my last couple of recipes and I’ve started my June content and it’s going to be the first time I’ve taken any time off blogging stuff since I started. Very excited for a week of face masks, books and Netflix! x
Sophie
Ooooh I’m excited for you! 😌
I want to start taking more care in the way I look and feel. Very interesting about taking care of your teeth as this is something I need to work on xx
I’d definitely recommend White Glo for this!
I quit smoking, again, and working out regularly again! I do need to find a new moisturizer and anti wrinkle cream, too!
Hope you find one!
I definitely relate to the money thing! But lately I adopted the mindset of treating money like a person – well, like my boyfriend/best friend – and it’s been so much better since then. For example, I treat myself, aka ‘visit my best friend’, to only things that I know I want to spend on 100%. It sounds strange and it’s hard to explain, but it really works! (I learnt it from one of Manifestation Babe’s podcasts!)
In terms of teeth… Don’t even get me started on mine. I’m actually starting to worry about it as I noticed one of my teeth had brown on it. Eek. I hate dentists so I don’t know what to do… Maybe I need to whiten them…
Oh I totally love that mindset! 😍 I hate my teeth too. But I’ve really noticed a difference with this toothpaste!
Excellent ideas there Jenny.
I’ve the yoga thing going on as well, however not as much as of late due to circumstances.
I also am making a conscious effort to listen to myself and banish the voice of others who tend to sway me into unwanted territory that is less than good for my mental health.
I’m taking time to cry.
I’m breathing (or trying to).
I’m taking time to rest (when I can).
I’m reading more.
I’m eating a bit more (shocker!).
I’m practicing gratitude!
– Nyxie
All amazing things to do to take care of yourself 😌
I’ve been trying to find the energy and everything else to do this… great post
Thank you c
I also started taking better care of myself with the new My Clarins routine! 😀 I love the fact it’s vegan and cruelty-free, and it’s middle-range when it comes to prices. I find that taking care of my skin each morning and evening gives me a goal, and I can achieve it even on bad days. Plus, the products smell divine! I treated myself to sunscreen products too.
The same goes for Yoga, I now practice daily on my own and go to my Ashtanga class on Monday nights (not today as I’m sick with the flu!)
I started switching off my phone in the evening and taking time off too! We’re in sync 😉
Oh my god I totally agree! The vegan and CF element really helps too. And I love their glass bottles too!
I’m actually sitting here with a face mask for the first time in ages while reading this post!! My skin seems to be having a complete flare up these days and while I have countless products, I rarely use anything. So that’s my first new rule. Like you, I’m also trying to switch off. Weekends can’t be stressful rushes of things I feel like I need to do. Having just had a burn out a couple of weeks ago, I’m trying to make sure I give myself time to indulge – on whatever I need at that given time. This is a really great post – and good luck with everything!
Ah I love that this post came at such an appropriate time for you! 😂
It’s so important to take care of yourself! It sounds like you are doing a good job of that now. Look after yourself Mrs!
Stephen
Thank you! 😌
Really great self-care suggestions! 😀 I have been quite bad for neglecting myself when I’m having a bad time with pain, or my depression has reared it’s ugly head. I do try to force myself to look after myself better and usually these days, pain is the only thing that prevents me – when it’s physically impossible. 🙂
Sarah 🌺 || Boxnip || Latest Post
When we feel bad mentally is the most important time we should be taking care of ourselves but usually the time when we want to least!
So true, I’m ashamed to say at my worst, I wouldn’t even brush my hair let alone wash it. If it were possible I’d have been done for neglect! At the time though, you just don’t even care. :/
I’m working very hard on mindset this year and “flipping the script”; so for instance earlier this afternoon the internet crapped out on me and I got really annoyed because it disrupted what I wanted to do, but then I moved to the next thing on my schedule and looked for the positives – at least the internet waited until after my virtual fitness session to crap out and it was nice to spend more time outside on a sunny day. My mood just got that bit lighter with that change of mindset (and I’ve come home shortly before the sun sets and yaaaay it’s working again!)
You’ve also inspired me to give Yoga another go this month and I think I’ve finally found an app that works well for me and my mind 😀
That’s a great mindset to have! It’s amazing how such little changes can have such an impact 😌
I’ve heard some fab things about this brand! xx
I’ve definitely seen a difference!
I am really trying to take care of myself this year, since losing Mum it just doesn’t seem like something I want to do, but my poor body needs a complete do over if I’m going to get married next year and feel comfortable in my own skin again.
Thank you for highlighting how important we are!
I’m sure your Mum would want you to be as happy in yourself as possible 😌 you deserve to take the best care of yourself despite what’s happened so I hope you can start doing that soon! 💛
I love all of these. This year I have started to do yoga on days when I do not go to the gym and I’ve also started meditating at night to allow a good night sleep. I could do with with teeth whitening so may have to look into that!
Abigail-xo
That sounds great 😌 I’ve really seen a difference with this toothpaste!
I could really relate to this post as I think we’re all a bit guilty of neglecting ourselves in certain ways and it’s so positive to move forward and recognise those behaviours and be kinder to ourselves. Funnily enough, I also need to be less tight when it comes to self maintenance and my reasoning was exactly the same as yours, for some reason I would always think it’s a waste?? I don’t know why I always thought that too but like you said as long as you can afford it and it makes you happy then that’s what matters xx
It’s odd isn’t it! I always find spending money on myself a complete waste but if I bought the exact same thing for someone else it totally would be haha!
I liked the post, sounds great that you started paying more attention of your body and self. I am doing more exercise and eating better, but sometimes i love to eat bad jajaja, i think is about balance. I want to look more my teeths, another think i love to do, is to care my face skin. 😀
xo
Definitely about balance! I love a takeaway now and again 😌
I need to up my game as I don’t have a routine at all.
I only remember to practise self care when I’m at a low point which isn’t good.
I want to get whiter teeth and softer hair so will be starting with these! 😊
Love Lozza xo
http://girlygabble.com
Oh I definitely relate to that! We definitely should be focusing on self care when we feel good and bad 😌
I started steeping large batches of David’s tea and drinking the tea throughout the day. I don’t drink enough and figured this green tea would encourage me to drink more since they’re flavours I actually like! Also, I’m able to stretch my dollar this way by steeping large batches at a time rather than a mug or two.
As for the other self-care things, I refuse to buy a gym membership. I see it as a want (not a need) when there are tons of trails and paths outside. So much to explore out there and being connected to nature is way better imo.
That’s a great idea and really glad to hear it works for you 😌 I wouldn’t get a gym membership again either. I don’t think I’d enjoy the gym anymore and I much prefer doing Yoga at home. The main thing about exercise is doing something you enjoy!
I am a bit of the same when it comes to spending money for self-care, skincare and the likes. I see it as a waste or an investment that is big and unnecessary. But it can also really help for self-care. I’d try to get back into yoga as I really loved it when i used to do courses
Yeah I mean I know it’ll make me feel better but getting out of the “I don’t need / deserve this” mindset is really hard!
I’m really not doing as much as I should. Definitely need to up my game, physically and mentally.
Hope this has given you a little boost 😌
God I’m so bad at actually looking after myself and making sure all is okay. I agree that taking time out is so important, looking after your mental health is just as vital as physical health xx
Tiffany x http://www.foodandotherloves.co.uk
Absolutely, they’re both as important as each other 😌
These all sound like great things to do! I’m trying to get more into self-care at the moment and really want to try my hand at yoga, everyone keeps telling me to give it a go so we’ll see what happens with that one! Great post as always xx
I have loads of posts about Yoga, which are helpful for beginners, if you ever need some advice or guidance 😌
My self care right now is pants, it’s all physio and some reading
If that’s what you need right now then it’s not pants at all! 😌
I too am crap at self-care and looking after myself. Like you I don’t enjoy much in terms of exercise but I’m aiming to undertake in more intense yoga practices too as well as actively choosing to walk when I can and taking my dogs out on more regular walks too. I think just making small changes to my care routine and growing naturally on from that rather than completely changing it over night.
Small changes work wonders 😌 Cos those small changes soon turn into big changes!
These are great ways to self-care! I really need to make Yoga a daily part of my self-care routine, as I’ve tried it once before and it worked wonders!
It really is amazing! I’ve just finished my practice this morning 😌