SELF-CARE ON A STOPWATCH:
CALMING IDEAS FOR HECTIC DAYS
It’s tricky to carve out a bit of ‘me time’ from a busy schedule. We’ve rounded up four simple ways to enjoy some self-care – no matter how much time you have
30 seconds: You’ll be surprised how powerful a few deep breaths can be for calming your mind and body when you’re stressed. To supercharge the benefits, roll This Works Stress Check Breathe In aromatherapy oil on your pulse points then take five slow, deep breaths – simple as that. Struggling to keep your mind still? Repeat “I am breathing in, I am breathing out” in your mind to keep you on track.
One minute: Stress and anxiety might stretch your emotions, but they can have the opposite effect on your body. In those tricky moments, try this tension-busting super stretch: sit down then raise your hands towards the ceiling. Lace your fingers together and press your palms upwards to elongate your spine. Think about creating space between your ribs and your hips.
Five minutes: Eating healthily is often the first thing to suffer when worrying takes over, so try making a smoothie, which can be great for topping up your five a day. Use produce that’s bright and fresh – ingredients like spinach and sunflower seeds can be paired with freshly squeezed fruit juice to provide all-important mood-boosting B vitamins. Need inspiration? Try these quick and easy snack ideas.
15 minutes: We’ve all found ourselves vacantly doom-scrolling on our phones. It can feel mindless, but the reality is the opposite – hundreds of tiny decisions and a constant stream of information leaves our brains exhausted. Keep your hands busy with a spot of manicure maintenance instead. We love this coffee-break manicure kit by Leighton Denny, followed by a luxurious hand cream.
SELF-CARE HELPERS
Words: Dulcie Emerson and Alexandra Murphy
