10 Self-Care Ideas To Help You Relax

Are you feeling overwhelmed, stressed, or just downright exhausted? 

Well, it's time to take a break and give yourself the care and attention you know you deserve!

As a brand committed to promoting self-care and as someone who has experienced a serious case of burnout in the past, we know exactly how easy it is to get caught up in the hustle and neglect our own wellbeing.

Which is why we’ve tapped into our expert knowledge, to create this article outlining the top 10 self-care practices that are sure to leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

So, grab a cup of tea, find a cosy spot, and dive into some much-needed self-care ideas for you to take away and start practising!

1 - Practice Meditation

Meditation is an amazing practice that can help ease brain fog and become more relaxed. 

To start practising meditation, we recommend finding a quiet spot at home or outside, sitting comfortably, and focusing on your breath. Starting with 10 minutes at a time, gently let go of stubborn thoughts and concerns as they enter your mind by focusing on your breath alone.

Meditation is great for self-care because it’s proven to calm your mind, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve your outlook and response to future events.

2 - Get Plenty of Sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential for your physical and mental health because it helps improve your energy levels, mood, and overall health.

Whilst we’re not saying you should become half man half mattress; research suggests you should aim to get at least 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Which we know isn’t always easy!

To achieve this, we recommend creating a bedtime routine that helps you wind down before bed. This can include putting down the phone for 30 minutes, taking a warm bath, reading a book, or lighting candles to set the mood. 

3 - Take Breaks During the Day

Taking breaks throughout the day can help you recharge and prevent burnout.

We recommend getting outside and taking a walk, although if time is a limiting factor, you could take 5 - 10 minutes to do some stretching exercises, or simply sit and relax in a space separate from day-to-day work and your mobile phone! 

Taking breaks is great for self-care because it helps you stay focused and productive, reduce stress, and divert attention away from the hustle and bustle of working life, and re-focus on what really matters - You!

4 - Exercise & Stretch Your Body

We’ve all heard it before, yet it's something that often doesn’t stick when put into practice! However, exercise and stretching are essential for your physical and mental health. 

You can engage in activities like yoga, jogging, or weightlifting to get your body moving which triggers your brain to release those feel-good endorphins. Yes - There’s science behind that runner's high you’ve heard about!

Stretching can also help you improve your flexibility and perhaps more importantly, combat chronic aches and pains which an estimated 35% of adults experience.

This is achieved as stretching helps align the body, increase mobility, and reduce inflammation in joints. Besides - Is there anything that feels better than a good stretch when waking in the morning?

5 - Eat Nutrient-Rich Meals

Ok. This might be a tough one, and no, we’re not saying a few pieces of chocolate and a glass of vino in the evening is a bad thing for (mental) self-care!

However, eating well is essential for your physical health as it improves the overall feeling of your body, maintaining healthy weight, improving digestion, and preventing chronic diseases.

To achieve this, we should aim to eat a variety of unprocessed foods, including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. 

6 - Connect with Family & Friends

Connecting with family and friends can help you feel more supported and less isolated. Just think back to the emotional result of Covid Lockdowns, remembering how bad it felt being locked up at home, then how good it felt to greet someone with an elbow touch when you finally reunited!

You can call, text, or meet up with loved ones to chat, catch up, or do something fun together. This can help you improve your mood, reduce stress, and improve your overall well-being.

Connecting with others is great for self-care because it helps you escape your own thoughts whilst sharing ideas, concerns, and suggestions with others close to you.

7 - Get Your Finances in Check

Perhaps not the first thing that comes to mind, but quite possibly one of the most significant. Getting your finances in check can help you feel more in control and less stressed as you create a budget, track your spending, and save for emergencies or long-term goals.

Financial experts recommend building up a ‘six-month emergency fund’ which can help you reduce financial stress and improve your overall well-being knowing everything will be ok should something negative happen. 

Getting your finances in check is great for self-care because it helps you feel more secure and prepared for the future.

8 - Create a Cosy Environment

Creating a cosy environment can help you feel more relaxed and comfortable in your home or workspace. To do this, we recommend adding soft lighting, comfortable furniture, and calming scents using candles to create a cosy atmosphere. 

This can help you reduce stress, improve your mood, and feel more at ease. Creating a cosy environment is great for self-care because it helps you feel more relaxed and comfortable in your surroundings resulting in a more consistent positive outlook on life.

9 - Take a Social Media Detox

In 2023, the average total time a person spends browsing social media per day equates to 2 hours and 31 minutes. Stretch this out over a year, and we’re looking at over 38 days stripped away from us whilst we become absorbed by other people's lives.

Taking a break for a day, a week, or longer to focus on other activities can help you reduce comparison and negative self-talk, improve your mood, and feel more present in the moment.

So, disconnect from the constant barrage of information and distractions, and instead focus on yourself and your surroundings!

10 - Indulge in Self-Care Products

We’re personal experts when it comes to this!

There’s no doubt about it - Indulging in quality self-care products from time to time can help you feel pampered and relaxed. You can treat yourself to a face mask, bath salts, a luxurious scented candle (Or even better all three at once!). 

Indulging in self-care products is great for self-care because it allows you to take a break from your daily routine, creating a special moment to prioritise your own needs and wants.

In conclusion:

Prioritising self-care is an investment in your health and overall happiness, allowing you to present yourself as the best version of yourself in all aspects of life. This is precisely why making self-care an indispensable part of your daily routine is crucial.

Our first-hand experience with the transformative power of self-care has inspired us to spread the word and help others experience it as well. That's why we founded self(ish) company, a term we coined to emphasise the importance of putting yourself first. 

We create handmade scented candles in the UK using 100% natural soy wax and the highest-quality fragrances available, offering a fragrant slice of self-care through scent which is perfect for helping you create a cosy environment to nurture relaxation and restoration.

So, if you're seeking a special treat to help you unwind, we invite you to explore our products below. Afterall, you deserve it!