Christmas is the time for giving, yet all too often we forget about ourselves in the great race to buy and wrap presents, plan, cook and host. So, come January I think it’s time we set that straight and focused on giving back to ourselves.
Self-care isn’t just about meditation, costly detox retreats and splashing out on a luxury spa day (though all are valid), sometimes it’s about the little things that you do for yourself in a day. For some it will be those ten minutes they get in the morning, sitting with a steaming cup of coffee before the emails roll in, and for others it’s getting outside into the fresh air and moving their body.
I’m always looking for new ways of treating myself (because, I too, am worth it, L’Oréal) and finding helpful reminders to take that ‘me time’ I deserve. And because you deserve it too, I thought I’d share a selection of all the feel-good things I am loving, have loved or am about to invest in for myself. Whatever your budget, whatever your interests and whatever time you have spare, here are 15 things to get you into the spirit of self-care.
The Positive Planner, Not On The High Street, was £24, now £19.20
The positive impacts of journalling have been much discussed recently, and this 12-week version is entirely dedicated to self-care. With inspirational quotes, art therapy and mindfulness activities, you might be surprised how making time to settle down with your diary for several minutes a day will improve it.
Pure Cashmere Cropped Hoodie, Marks and Spencer, £119
It’s well known that M&S is the best place to get affordable cashmere on the high street, and I can’t think of anything better to curl up in than this super soft hoodie. It’s impossible not to feel even slightly glamorous sashaying round the house in this.
This Works Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, Oliver Bonas, £19.50
When I was young my mum would tell me that everything would look better in the morning, and you know what, she was right. And nothing makes me sleep more soundly than this lavender deep sleep pillow spray. It’s a spa in a bottle.
Prestat Praline Truffles, Selfridges, £13.99
I’m always buying gorgeous boxes of chocolates for other people, but never for myself. Why not? Well I’m changing that right now, and so should you. These Prestat truffles are some of the silkiest, creamiest chocolates I’ve ever tried and this January you’ll be seeing them around my house much more.
Super Sculpt High Waisted 7/8 Yoga Leggings, Sweaty Betty, £85
Yoga is a common self-care practice, but a fresh pair of leggings really does make all the difference. Slipping on these super sculpt, super supportive yoga leggings from Sweaty Betty will help you look and feel your best while you backbend away.
Terrarium Kit with Glass Container Fittonia Fern Moss Tools, Etsy, £23.99
Having a hobby is paramount to switching off and giving ourselves some downtime; creative hobbies in particular are really beneficial, especially if you spend most of your day in front of a screen. This terrarium kit combines nature, fun and free-reign (all which are good for you) into a neat kit that will leave you with something decorative for your home afterwards.
Organic Melting Chocolate Pudding, Daylesford, £4.99
I defy you to find anything more comforting and indulgent than this melt-in-the-middle chocolate pudding from lusted-after brand, Daylesford. It says it serves two but I would recommend popping it in the oven for a few minutes before settling down in an armchair with a spoon and Ru Paul’s Drag Race on the TV. Just what the doctor (me) ordered.
Pai Skincare Organic Copaiba Deep Cleanse AHA Mask, Amazon, £30
A face mask is the original self-care, it’s likely the first thing you think of when you think of the words. Lying back with a refreshing (if a little odd looking) mask slathered all over your face and nowhere to be but on your sofa. Plus, clean, fresh skin does wonders for your sense of calm.
Eat Happy: 30-minute Feelgood Food, Melissa Hemsley, Amazon, £13.90
The first solo cookbook by Melissa Hemsley, one half of the bestselling Hemsley + Hemsley sisters. This book offers 30-minute, fuss-free, food to make you feel good. Yum!
Wild Argan Oil Bubbling Bath, The Body Shop, £8.50
Running a deep bubble bath after a long, cold day is one of life’s little pleasures. Amp up your bath game with this lightly scented bath soak – I’m envisioning candles, a juicy novel and the joy of silky soft skin when you finally emerge.
DIPTYQUE Baies Scented Candle, Selfridges, £27
Diptyque has a cult following and, once you’ve smelt one, it’s easy to see why. Baies is one of their most famous scents and is a sophisticated blend of rose and blackcurrant leaves. If you can’t get out for an uplifting walk in the countryside, light this and sit on your sofa instead.
Pukka Turmeric Gold, Organic Herbal Latte with Cardamom & Saffron, Amazon, £19.86
This delicious blend of turmeric, cardamom and saffron only needs milk to turn it into a frothy, indulgent hot drink that will perk up your mood and soothe your mind. It’s caffeine free so you can have it at any time of the day and the it’s perfect during winter where the vibrant colour and earthy taste is a real ray of sunshine.
Slip White Silk Pillowcase, Selfridges, £105
If you can’t wear silk constantly then you should at least sleep on it. Slip pillowcases are the silkiest of the lot, they feel heavenly against your skin, encourage deep slumber and leave your skin looking soft and fresh in the morning.
‘The Botanical’ Mini Posy Fresh Flower Subscription, Not On The High Street, £38.95
There’s not much nicer than fresh flowers and even better when they turn up at your door each month without you having to move a muscle. This subscription box of mini posies will come through your letterbox, so you don’t even need to get out of bed.
Sweet by Yotam Ottolenghi, Amazon, £16.96
A sugar high is a staple part of my self-care routine. Not only is baking soothing and fun, the recipes in this award-winning cookbook also mean you’ll end up with some pretty delicious results. My personal favourites are the cranberry, oat and white chocolate biscuits – I could eat the entire tray.
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