When you think of a ‘self-care day’ the first thing that probably comes to mind is popping on a face mask and taking a candle-lit bubble bath. While we do love a good bubble bath and face mask, that’s not the only way to do self-care!

In fact, self-care shouldn’t be something you dedicate just one day to. Self-care can be any activity you do that makes you feel good and benefits your health and wellbeing! Even more importantly, it should be something that we focus on daily. 

It’s also important to remember that there is no right or wrong way to practice self-care! It is completely personal to the individual – which can sometimes make it a little harder to know where to start. In this blog post, we give you 13 self-care rituals that you can implement daily. First, let’s unpack exactly what it is and why it is so important. 

What is self-care?

Self-care can be defined as the activities and practices we engage in with the purpose to enhance our health and wellbeing.

There 5 different types of self-care that we recognise:

Physical – is all about taking care of your body in a way that enables it to run efficiently. Think fuelling it with healthy, nourishing foods, getting enough sleep and moving your body.

Social – focuses on cultivating and maintaining your relationships – a really important part of your wellbeing

Spiritual – research shows that a lifestyle that nurtures religion or spirituality is generally a healthier lifestyle (Koeng H.G., 2015). Nurturing your spiritual wellbeing does not have to involve religion! It can include anything that helps you develop a deeper sense of meaning and connection with the world around you. Think meditation, practicing gratitude or connecting with nature.

Emotional – being able to understand and process your emotions is extremely important! Emotional self-care can involve anything that helps you to express and process your emotions and helps you to feel recharged.

Why is self-care important? 

Studies have shown that practicing self-care can greatly reduce stress, assist with better decision making and give a greater sense of enjoyment in life (Lev E.L., Owen S.V., 1996). Those that practice in self-care are also often more productive and more resilient to stressors.

So, beside the cliché bubble bath and face masks, what are some other ways you can practice self-care daily? Read on for 13 daily rituals you can implement to practice self-care.

13 self-care practices to implement daily

1. Turn off your phone and other technology an hour before bedtime

The blue light emitted by your phone, TV and laptop can have a negative effect on your circadian rhythm, reducing your ability to get a good night’s sleep. It can also cause eye strain, increase your alertness making it harder for you to fall asleep, and can have damaging effects on your skin’s collagen stores. Switch off your devices an hour before bedtime and opt for a book, bath or meditation session instead of scrolling your social media.

2. Stop hitting the snooze button

Sleep experts recommend skipping the snooze button and getting up with your first alarm. Pressing snooze on your alarm and allowing yourself to go back to sleep, even for just 10 minutes can lead to sleep inertia – the feeling of grogginess, disorientation and drowsiness that follows immediately after you wake up. Sleep inertia can last up to four hours after you get out of bed, leaving you feeling lethargic and groggy.

3. Commit to your skincare routine

Taking 5-10 minutes of your day to cleanse your skin, apply your favourite serums and lock it all in with a hydrating moisturiser is not only good for your skin, but a great way to relax and practice self-care! It’s even better knowing that the products you are using are kind to your skin and the planet.

4. Eat a healthy breakfast

Starting your day with a tasty, nourishing meal is the perfect way to set you up for the day. Having a healthy breakfast helps to refuel your glycogen (energy) stores, can improve your memory and concentration, and helps you to make healthier choices throughout the day, reducing the likelihood of over indulging at another meal time. One of our favourite breakfast recipes is our antioxidant-packed Hemp & Berry Smoothie Bowl.

5. Light a candle

Aside from making your home or office smell nice, candles have so many other benefits! Lighting your favourite candle can help to calm the mind, stimulate memory, improve productivity and promote a good night’s sleep!

We recommend our Blue Lotus Dreaming candle for an evening unwind, or our Citrus Rhapsody Revitalise candle for a sensory pick-me-up while you work.

6. Get a house plant

Studies have shown that caring for indoor plants can reduce blood pressure and suppress nervous system activity helping to calm the mind and body. If you don’t have much of a green thumb, opt for a Zanzibar Gem. These beautiful leafy greens thrive on neglect and a perfect for house-plant newbies.

7. Sip away stress with a cup of tea

In cultures all around the world, enjoying a cup of tea is a relaxing ritual. Our No.3 Sleeping Beauty Tea is a go-to for unwinding and relaxing. It contains Passionflower, traditionally used to ease anxiety, calm the nervous system and promote sleep. It also contains Chamomile and Lemon Balm, both known for their calming properties.

8. Phone a friend or loved one

Close connections are so important to our wellbeing. Take time out of your day to phone a friend or a loved one and share your stresses, your good news, or just have a chat! You’ll be amazed at how refreshed and recharged you feel after doing so.

9. Give yourself a facial massage

Massage has been shown to relieve pain and stiffness, reduce anxiety and muscle tension, increase circulation and lower stress! We have been loving facial massage to help relax the facial muscles (especially if you’re a frowner when stressed) and stimulate the lymphatic system.
Our Beauty Tool combines Gua Sha and facial roller and is the perfect tool for a head-to-toe DIY massage.

10. Know when to say “no”

Most of the time when we are feeling stressed or overwhelmed, it is because we have too much on our plates! Knowing when to say no, and that it is ok to say it, is one of the best things you can do to take care of you.

11. Practice meditation

Meditation has been shown to improve mental health and reduce stress. Set aside 5 minutes each day to meditate. If you are new to it, we recommend listening to a meditation guide (such as the Calm App).

12. Go for a walk

Exercise is known to boost your happy hormones (serotonin, dopamine etc), and just 30 minutes a day can greatly improve your physical and mental health! Try mixing it up by exploring a new area or walking with a friend you haven’t seen in a while. One of our favourite tips for a good self-care walk is to switch your phone off or leave it at home if you can. Allow yourself to connect with your surroundings and nature.

13. Keep a gratitude journal

Practicing gratitude has endless benefits such as reducing anxiety and depression, sharpening our brain function, and giving us piece of mind. Start by writing down 3 things you are grateful for at the end of each day. The key is to keep it specific and not repeat anything from the days before. Your answer could be as simple as “I watched my favourite TV show today” – there is no right or wrong!