Eight Effortless Self-Care Rituals
Let’s face it – it’s been a stressful few years. As we edge gradually into a post-pandemic world (we sincerely hope!), the one positive takeaway is the renewed emphasis placed on self-care. So what exactly is self-care? Self-care is the time you take you consciously make a choice to take some time and take care of yourself. Self-care doesn’t have to be complicated, overwhelming or time-consuming, and can, instead, be all about the small ways that you tune in and take care of yourself. We have rounded up a few lovely self-care rituals that you can weave into your day without missing a beat. Here it goes!
1. Start your day with words of affirmation
These affirmation cards from Sneha were made with the intention to add some love and inspiration to your day. Our thoughts can have a powerful impact on our self-esteem and actions, so start your day on a positive note by picking a card, taking a few deep, calming breaths and embracing these positive words of encouragement.
DAILY LOVE NOTES
From R 290.00
2. Start your day with something that sparks joy
Try to incorporate an activity into your day-to-day that brings you joy and fulfilment. Whether it's reading, dancing, listening to feel-good music or simply writing your thoughts or dreams in a journal. Putting pen to paper always a good idea. Sometimes, inspiration simply begins with a blank page and a pen, why not take some time to write down what brings you joy with these local notebooks.
3. Get moving
We all know that physical activity has a broad-reaching impact on your overall health, but finding time during the week can be a challenge, we know! If time is an issue, why not focus on moving for just 15 minutes within your day. This could be a quick walk around the neighbourhood, a 15 minutes online yoga session or workout, or just turn on some music and get dancing with the kids! These fun and functional high-quality pieces from Koko Active and Lara Fay Activewear are all the inspiration we need to get moving.
4. Layer lovely smells into your day
Aromachology is a science that explores the relationship between fragrance and psychology, and there is now extensive scientific research linking our emotions and moods. Experiment with fragrances, such as the House of Gozdawa range of premium extraits de parfums, to find your new signature scent.
Set the mood and create a scent journey for your home with the warm and welcoming home fragrances from the Amanda-Jayne collection. The WASS temple oil collection is a great way to find your inner calm, and essential oil blends can be used on the go throughout the day.
5. Set a tranquil atmosphere
As you ease into your evening, create a tranquil atmosphere in your home by dimming bright lights, or using a low-watt bedside table lamp. If you are looking for softer lighting, you can even switch off your lights completely and burn a few of your favourite Amanda-Jayne scented candles. Hand-poured in small batches, the Amanda-Jayne candles are made with natural soy wax and scented with a unique pure essential oil blend.
6. Evening indulgence
A long, hot bath is one of life’s greatest little pleasures. If you want to take yours to the next level, a luxurious milk powder, bath oil, bath-bomb, bath soak, or bath milk is a great way to enhance your evening ritual and promote a night of peaceful sleep. No time for a bath? Turn your five-minute showing into an indulgent experience with a
hydrating body scrub, which will relieve your tired muscles and leave your skin feeling and smelling remarkable.
7. Linger a little at day’s end
At the end of a long day, it can be easy to go through your evening cleansing ritual on autopilot. Instead, take this time to give yourself a little facial massage with a gorgeous product like this restorative night cream from Afrakari.
RESURFACE + RESTORE NIGHT CREAM
From R 1,950.00
8. Create the perfect sleep sanctuary
Clear your bedroom of electronic devices to set yourself up for a restful night of sleep, and include Botanilab's Sleep Serum into your evening ritual. This blend of essential oils has been created to improve the quality of your sleep and help you wake up feeling energised and ready to go. The Wass therapeutic eye pillow includes essentials oils to calm and reset, and gently presses on acupressure points to release tension. Place this over your eyelids to create an oasis moment before you drift off.
There you have it - eight self-care rituals that will make all the difference without taking up hours. It all comes down to being gentle with yourself. Start with one small step towards kindness and see how it feels. You’ll be surprised at the benefits.