It’s safe to say that 2020 has been anything but normal. With an influx of banana bread, virtual fitness classes and endless socially distance walks, I’m sure many of us will be looking forward to the New Year.
But how can we ensure that we’re putting self-care first? Our own wellbeing isn’t often at the forefront of our minds with many of us often feeling overworked, stressed and exhausted by the strains of everyday life. Taking time out for ourselves can have positive benefits as I, along with many others, have discovered this year.
Here are 6 simple ways that you can put self-care first in 2021:
Adopt a regular sleeping pattern
Avoid those late nights where possible as the next morning will leave you feeling tired and unproductive. Aim for seven to eight hours sleep to ensure you get a good night’s rest. Sticking to this schedule as best as you can will help your body form a routine and make the earlier mornings easier!
Be inspired by #SelfcareSunday
For those in a traditional 9-5, Monday-Friday role, the weekends breed a sense of freedom. Whilst it is great to stay busy and productive by seeing friends and family and exploring new places, sometimes a cosy Sunday is all we need. Follow #SelfcareSunday by using this day to schedule relaxation where it’s OK to binge your favourite TV series, pop a face mask on at 4pm and enjoy being in your own home with no distractions.
Drink more water
Most of us are guilty of not drinking enough water. It’s no secret that our bodies need enough fluids to function properly and without this, dehydration can leave us with headaches and dizziness.
Refilling your water bottle hourly or setting reminders on your phone will encourage you to monitor your water intake and over time, drinking more fluids will become second nature.
Give your eyes a break
For office workers, much of the day is spent in front of screens which can have a detrimental effect to our eyes. To prevent digital eyestrain, make sure to follow the rule of 20. For every 20 minutes spent looking at a screen, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This will help to refocus your eyes. It is also beneficial to invest in a pair of Blue light glasses which are designed to reduce the amount of blue light that reaches the eye and prevent headaches and eye fatigue.
Schedule time out in your day
While productive, busy days are a norm in most of our lives, many of us often don’t find the time to take a moment out to just pause. For as little as five minutes, take time out just to saviour a hot beverage of choice or take a few deep breaths to unwind.
Have a regular massage
Sometimes a spa day is all we need to revitalise the senses especially a regular massage to melt away stresses. At The Spa at Bedford Lodge Hotel, we offer a range of massages suited to all and dependent on what our guests are looking to gain or specifically target.
One of my favourite treatments is the Balinese massage with hot stones. The 90-minute treatment uses long, warming strokes to encourage calm and wellbeing. Our expert therapists will gently heat aromatherapy oils and pour onto the centre of the body before massaging into the skin using sweeping movements. Hot volcanic stones are used to tailor the massage pressure to each guests needs and release any built-up tension – heavenly!
Let me know your self-care rituals in the comments below…
Until next time,
Love,
Rebecca x