Self Care Everyday

As someone with mental health issues, self care is extremely important to me. Thinking back on my first bout of depression in my late teens, it's incredible to see how I cope now. I spent months alone, in my bed, asleep all day and awake all night. It was a dreadful time for myself and my family. Now, as an adult, I've developed ways to get through my low days.

Daily Self Care Basics

Skincare & Dress

Even if I don't have the energy to shower, washing my face, brushing my teeth and getting dressed - even if it's just a t-shirt and trackies - gets me feeling so much more human. Followed by my skincare routine to get my skin glowing.

Tidy My Safe Space

Making the bed and giving the bedroom a quick tidy does wonders for the brain. Tidy space, tidy mind. If I'm just sprucing the room I'll open the curtains, clear the floor and put any rubbish in the bin.

Do Something Just for Me

Whenever I'm feeling a bit down and want to ignore the world for a bit, I'll watch TV, read a book, play games or catch up on my YouTube subscriptions. I also want to start colouring again! I still have my Dorkface colouring book to finish.

Weekly Self Care

Deep Clean

I'll change the bedding, hoover and clean off all surfaces. I generally try to hoover and clean at least twice a week but sometimes I just don't feel up to it, or don't realise it needs doing!

Masks

Hair masks and face masks are my favourite form of self care and I'll do them once or twice a week. My favourite masks are the Shea or Banana hair mask, and the Matcha Tea face masks from The Body Shop!

Get Pretty

Skincare, hair, makeup, nails painted, a pretty outfit and my favourite jewellery. Even though I'm not going anywhere (thanks Covid) sometimes it's just nice to get all dressed up so Josh gives me a compliment the second he gets home. He always make me feel good anyway, but it's always nice when "ooh you look good babe!" is the first thing he says after coming home from work. Again, this is something I'll manage a couple times a week, I don't have the energy to make the effort every day, as much as I want to!

Extras

Things I don't necessarily do every day but they do really help!

Fresh Air

Sitting in the garden for a breather, or going for a little stroll - even just opening a window! Getting some form of fresh air does wonders.

Journaling

This isn't something I do very often, but sometimes I do find it helpful to jot down how I'm feeling in my daily planner!

Socialising

When I first start to feel my mood dipping, I generally keep away from the rest of the household. This can be good, as sometimes I'll be low because I've spent too much time around them (#introvert) but I do find that I need that bit of interaction sometimes. My in-laws absolutely crack me up, and they're good to talk to about any worries too.

Turn off Notifications

I'm in a few group chats. I don't want to leave them but sometimes I can feel a bit overwhelmed by the notifications. Sometimes I just don't want to talk to people at all. So I turn off my notifications for WhatsApp, Facebook and Facebook Messenger. Sometimes I'll warn people, sometimes I don't as it just creates more questions and conversations I don't want. I keep my text notifications on so if anyone really needs to get a hold of me they can, but generally they leave me be and it can be really nice!

What do you do for self care? Let me know in the comments!

Until next time,

Saph x