Self Care during Lock down
Self-care has so many different meanings, but it all stems from within. Whether you indulge in a blow dry or a bath, you’re de-stressing and allowing yourself time to relax. Its a well known fact that when you are working to hard, feeling overly stressed, especially during the times that we are living in at this moment its not good for your health.
Even though we can’t simply go out and get a blow dry, facial, pedicure, or massage during this pandemic, we can still implement self-care routines that will help us enjoy this time at home with our families. Those of you with children whatever their age is, maybe read this blog post and take from it is ok to take time for yourself. Especially in this circumstance. We’re all trying to stay positive. I am currently in the middle of "This is Deepak Chopra's powerful 21 Day Meditation", its takes just 5 to 10 minutes and it allows you to think on another level. We’re all trying our very best to get through this fearful time. I feel it too, and I understand.
Whatever the riggers of a bath time i am a massive fan of indulgent bathing whenever i get chance, from bath milks inspired by Cleopatra, bath drops to transport your senses to the countryside, Neoms bliss candle to a powder blue turban. When you indulge in a bath you are de-stressing in the comfort of your home, allowing your body to relax. I recommend to anyone to invest in a bath rack, mine houses by candle (at night the Deep Sleep Candle), bath drops by Sisley Eau de Campagne and bubble bath and a glass of something bubbly if you fancy. Time for mindfulness... someone told me that the Queen allegedly has a rubber duck and an inflatable crown in hers. Its a well known fact that when you are working hard, feeling anxious, especially during the times that we are living in at this moment its not good for your health. Take time to bathe and emerge rejuvenated.
2. Give yourself a facial
You can still indulge without guilt in an amazing facial using your favorite products! Online stores are still open, there is a link in my bio on my Instagram page, I always try to link the stores that have my favourite products in stock. I personally love starting by using a gentle cleanser Natura Lisse, followed by Goldfaden Doctors scrub. It contains ruby crystals, hyaluoric acid and sea weed extract, I love the immediate glow, skin clarity, tone i get almost immediately after. Pop a few drops of Skin Ceuticals H A Intensifier all over and then its mask time. There are a few that i use, Ahava is a radiance detox mud mask and pop your Elemis pro, collagen hydra gel eye masks, i often do this whilst in the bath. I am all about glowing skin.
3. Lets exercise
walking, running, biking...
Its good for us, we feel so much better when we have exercised .. ready to face whatever it is we need too even if we’re not in quarantine! I love to start my day with a nice walk with Titus my miniature daschund around my property in Yorkshire or around the park close to us in Holland Park, London. Whether you are in the city or the country side nature at the moment is in harmony. Friends of mine swear by a an invorgrating ride on the Peloton and swear by certain classes but whilst i have been here in Yorkshire nothing beats a run in the countryside soaking up the scenic country side. Not only does it get my body moving, it allows me to keep fit and gives me time to think clearly about things other than the pandemic.
4. Taking time on your haircare
While we’re cooped up, I seem to love washing and styling my hair… yes even though I haven't been anywhere! It just makes me feel good, and I love the way my Olaplaex No 4 and 5 Shampoo and Conditioner feels. Once a week, I also use the Olaplaex Mask Treatment which moisturizes a bit more intensely. When I'm feeling up to it, I love to style my hair with Bumble and Bumble styling mousse. After it is blow dried i use a couple of drops of "The Ordinary pure Argan oil", I massage this right through into my ends. Every time i use this product it makes my hair look shiny and SO healthy and smells divine. I usually try and do this routine once a week and every time I do do it, I feel like i have just come out of the hairdressers!
5. Manicures & Pedicures
Anyone else sitting here despairing with how dry their hands are from the constant washing. Well there is an answer, thank fully there are some great little manicure sets and this is a great way to give yourself a manicure and pedicure at home! Of course it’s not the same, but it sure saves money and kills some time during your quarantined day. The John Lewis & partners woven Manicure does the job and if you want to splash out the Czech & Speake one is divine. Sometimes i am asked which is my favourite nail varnish brand and colour, I personally love Chanel and Essie "Ballet Slippers", soft pale pink which i am wearing right now. Definitely would recommend a great hand mask to moisturise and if all else fails pop some hand cream on and put your marigolds on.
6. Indulge in a delicious meals
I have felt rather like a 50's house wife recently with the amount of cooking i have been doing. I have have chosen to celebrate it trying new recipes from my favourite chefs, namely Ottlengi and his newest book Nopi and an old favourite Phaeton Italian cooking school. There are for sure enough recipes in there to cater for all the different tastes in our house, including 2 gluten intolerants and one very fussy eater.
7. Virtual FaceTime and Zoom calls with family and friend
This will be our 7th week of social distancing, Whats App, FaceTime,Zoom and Google classroom have been wonderful ways to see family and friends. It’s heartbreaking not to be able to see one's own parents, but this makes it a bit easier to bear!
8. Enjoy a show or a book!
There are so many amazing shows and books out there. Between The National Ballet and the National Theatre who are live streaming Tuesday and Thursday's respectively globally and Between Amazon and Netflix, there is lots to see! I have been reading a great book with my girls just before bed time by a wonderful author ....it helps wind down, and allows us to relax without thinking about everything going on in the world. One of my favourites is "Letters of Note".
9. Get a Good nights Sleep!
I can't put into words how good it feels to sink into into freshly laundered bed sheets, personally my favourites ones are always The White Company rather like checking into a hotel and waking up in your own home.
Overall, being home isn’t SO bad, especially if you take it upon yourselves to act on some of these self-care regimes. Let me know which ones you’ve done, and which ones you’re planning on doing! We’re in this together.
Take care, stay home and stay safe..
Lu Loves.
luloves.co
