Looking for ways to boost your wellbeing? We added these simple self-care activities into our daily routine – and the results? We felt more energetic, positive and focused. Essentially, all the ingredients we need right now to help us feel realigned and centred.
We’re living through unprecedented times at the moment. Uncertainty is at an all-time high – no one knows what the world is going to look like tomorrow, let alone in three weeks or months. Though it may not play a big part in everyone’s lives, hair and beauty is a major factor for many of us – including our salon guests. With temporary salon closures, it has meant that we’ve not been able to look and feel the way we want to – or atleast the way we’re used to. Needless to say, this along with all the other pressures we’re feeling right now, can also impact on our mental wellbeing.
It’s understandable, then, that so many people are struggling with their mental health during this difficult period. From feelings of anxiety and panic to sadness and anger, our emotions are at an all-time high right now. In fact, it may be a while before we’re even back to “normal” again – whatever that may mean in the future.
The thing about self-care is that it is a practice that requires your willingness to do. It will not happen unless you intentionally make space and time for it. But the results, speaking for ourselves here, is well worth the effort. With a bit of self-care, you can experience more joy, rest, and soul-health.
By compiling this short wellbeing guide, we hope it helps you, or a loved one, introduce some daily stress-busting habits. At Regis, we’re all about self-care, so for anyone who’s seeking to bring about a little peace during these unprecedented times, please read on.
Here are some ideas for self-care:
1. Simplify your schedule.
Are you over-committed? Are there things that you need to postpone or let go of completely? Ask yourself which activities and relationships are truly adding value to your life, and intentionally make space and time for those things.
2. Do something that energises your body
Stretch, swim, run, dance, do yoga – or whatever activity you enjoy. Exercise is a key part of self-care and is proven to help reduce anxiety, depression, and a negative mood by improving self-esteem and cognitive function.
3. Take a long, warm bath.
Consider this a weekly ritual – a quarantreat if you will. While you’re at it, light a candle, read a magazine or book and listen to soothing music. We love adding a hair mask or treatment to our ritual for added TLC 💞
4. Create a Gratitude List
Write down all the things that you’re thankful for. We found this to be an instant mood-lifter. In most cases, the good far outweigh the bad and helps to put a little perspective on things.
5. Speak with a counsellor
Remove any taboo or stigma attached to talking to a professional. Sometimes, by simply talking to somebody who doesn’t know you on a personal level helps us to get things off our chest. This could be a psychologist, therapist, or spiritual mentor. Many experts offer Zoom meetings too, so you don’t even need to leave your home.
6. Unplug for a day
Go on a media and technology fast, and turn off any unnecessary electronic devices. Believe us when we say it’s harder than it sounds. But give it a try, as the benefits are well worth it. It’s amazing how absorbed we become in the media, celebrity gossip columns or scrolling purposelessly through social media. Sometimes it’s good to switch off from it all and pay attention to yourself instead.
7. Stretch it out
Find the kinks and tension spots in your body, and stretch them out. It might feel painful at first, but boy will it feel good afterwards!
8. Do something new
Have you been considering learning a new skill or trying a new hobby? Go for it. But do it because you genuinely want to learn a new skill, rather than jumping onto a trend you see on social media.
9. Practice mini-meditation
Begin or end your day with a minute of deep breathing, and focused awareness of your body, thoughts, and feelings. It’s hard at first, but small steps to mindfulness really do help relieve some of our deepest stresses!
10. Dance it out
Put on your favourite dance music, and shake your body! Do it alone or with your family – it works the same to help lift your spirits.
11. Write or journal your thoughts
Take 10 minutes, and jot down whatever is on your mind. Mentally release those things as you write. This helps let go of things that are holding us back.
12. Get quality time with a quality person
Hang out with someone who you love. If they’re far away, arrange a video call.
13. Be still
Find a quiet place outside, away from others, and embrace the stillness.
14. Do an activity mindfully and slowly
Whatever you choose to do, savor the moment and experience your activity with attentiveness.
15. Take a walk, but enjoy it too
Explore your area at a leisurely pace. What’s the rush?
16. Practice a full day of rest
Take a full day to rest and rejuvenate. Not everyday needs to be jam-packed with activities and chores – it’s okay to do nothing!
17. De-clutter your life
Choose a place — your email inbox, your desk, a dressing table – and get rid of things you no longer need. We wrote a little piece about how to declutter your space which might help.
18. Reflect on your personal mission statement
If you don’t have a personal mission statement, create one. This is your chance to articulate your values, who you are, and how you define success.
19. Enjoy a piece of chocolate or a glass of wine
Better yet, enjoy both together!
20. Sleep
Take a nap or simply go to bed earlier. Give your body some extra rest because beauty sleep is a real thing.
