How to Self-Care At Home

In the digital age, some of us may feel like we have less time than ever. With thanks to the strains of modern work, social media, and new technology, some of us may feel under pressure either constantly or at some point in our lives. In a 2018 survey conducted by the Mental Health Foundation, 74% of respondents reported they had been so stressed in the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope.

Many of the common stressors an unavoidable part of everyday life. It can be useful to find a coping mechanism which results in the long-term improvement of mental health. According to mental health charity Mind, ‘self care techniques and general lifestyle changes can help manage the symptoms of many mental health problems’. Self care can range between person to person. However, taking the time to look after yourself physically, emotionally, and mentally can have a positive effect on overall wellbeing.

WHAT TO FOCUS ON WHEN YOU SELF-CARE AT HOME

Self care doesn’t need to cost the earth, nor does it need to be overly complicated. A simple self care routine can be maintained daily from the comfort of your own home. Exactly what you do can be changed based on preferences and needs. Although there are three main areas which need to be cared for to improve general wellbeing.

– Physical health

Being physically fit and healthy doesn’t just make for a better quality of life. It is one of the three ways on how to self-care at home. Furthermore, it can have a positive impact on our mental and emotional wellbeing. A 2017 study published in the Social Science & Medicine journal found that physical activity had a positive effect on mental health . Moreover, this created a cycle where those with good mental health were less likely to make lifestyle choices. As a result, it had a negative impact on physical health, such as smoking or excessive drinking.

The NHS recommends we complete a minimum of 150 minutes of physical activity a week. This equates to just over 20 minutes a day. Being physically fit will help to improve the overall condition of the body. In addition, this can result in preventing some health conditions, whilst potentially increasing your life span.

As the body’s largest organ, improving your skincare routine can also do wonders for your physical health. Not only will it ensure your skin is healthy and protected. Having smooth and radiant skin can improve self-confidence and in turn, boost mental health. Depending on your free time, a daily skincare routine can be basic or thorough. It allows you to have full pampering sessions when time permits whilst covering your skin’s needs when it doesn’t. A simple facial cleanse can be all you need in the morning. In the evening, this should be more thorough to remove any build-up of grease, dirt and oils which have accumulated throughout the day.

Of course, it is not just the skin on your face which needs to be cared for. Using Malée’s Conditioning Body Cream immediately after every shower can prevent moisture from being drawn out. It creates a seal across the skin which is effective but light and non-greasy. This helps to keep your skin smooth and hydrated. By reducing the risk of developing dry patches whilst ensuring skin functionality is at its peak. Moreover, it allows for regular cell turnover and improving protective functionality. Packed full of natural ingredients, our body cream can further nourish the skin with nutrients. Also, the natural oils are scientifically proven to improve health and appearance.

– Mental health

The state of our mental health can have an impact on every aspect of our lives. From the amount we choose to socialise to our sleeping patterns and productivity. A 2019 article published in the Journal of Occupational Health Psychology suggests that taking the time to relax at the end of the day can lead to greater productivity and increased energy the following morning. Regularly winding down before going to sleep can also help to maintain our circadian rhythm which in turn ensures we have a good night’s sleep. As a result, it is the second way to how to self-care at home.

How you choose to relax at the end of the day is entirely down to personal preference. Some people like to spend an hour reading a book whilst others may choose to meditate or practice yoga. Whichever activity helps you to relax most can be enhanced by altering your home environment to become more tranquil. One way to do this is to light a fragranced candle, such as Malée’s Polyanthes Soy Candle which emits the sensual floral fragrance of the night flowers of Africa. Lighting a fragranced candle doesn’t just aid relaxation by lowering light levels to get your body ready for sleep. Yet, it can also provoke the brain into releasing relaxing chemicals as our olfactory system is directly linked to the brain.

Our soy candles are made from 100% natural ingredients and the Polyanthes fragrance has been carefully developed for a subtle, alluring scent. Containing floral tuberose, gardenia and lotus flower accompanied by warm vanilla and blonde woods. This is a soft and delicate smell which can be beneficial whilst trying to relax.

– Emotional wellbeing

Compared to mental health, emotional health is based on the way in which we manage our emotions. Whilst we can’t be happy all the time and we will still face challenges in life, having good emotional health allows us to deal with situations in the best way possible. It is the third way to how to self-care at home.

The first step to improving emotional wellbeing is to recognise and understand your emotions. Some people find journaling to be an effective tool in dealing with emotions. It allows you to break down the happenings of the day and establishing a connection with the feelings these produced. The brilliant thing about including journaling in a self care routine is that it can be done anywhere. Furthermore, it takes as little as a few minutes a day.

Some may find it beneficial to use a physical notebook. Although there are many journaling apps which offer an enhanced experience. The Diaro app can be used across multiple devices. And it allows users to insert traditional diary pages with the added ability to attach relevant photos. Praised for its friendly interface and excellent organisation, you can look back and relive the experiences of past days. This allows for emotional awareness which can start to improve emotional and mental wellbeing.

CONCLUSION

Learning how to self-care at home can be an effective tool in improving and maintaining our overall wellbeing. By focusing on simple activities which center around our physical, mental, and emotional health we can improve each area with very little time or resource. Each area is intertwined with the others. It allows you to develop a self-care routine which covers your basic health needs whilst often having a positive impact on overall quality of life

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