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My Self-Care Routine!

When my mental health is weighing me down and I'm feeling a bit under the weather (yes, I know, how many cliches can I fit into one sentence?) sometimes practising a self-care routine is just what I need to make me feel more human again. Today, I thought I would share what makes me feel better, even if it's just a tiny bit, so you can hopefully get some inspiration.


Go For a Walk

 Call me weird but I love walking. Especially since I'm lucky enough to spend my time in two very beautiful parts of the UK: Bristol and Cornwall.






 Sometimes even just a short walk by myself is enough to blow away the cobwebs. I like to listen to some music and gather up all my thoughts. But sometimes I like to go on mini adventures and explore new and interesting areas. Me and my boyfriend always try to go on a weekly walk and it's a great opportunity for us to just talk about what's bothering us or stressing us out.

Eat a Healthy Meal

 After a nice, long walk I'm usually feeling inspired to start a whole damn healthy lifestyle. (Although the reality of that can be a different story...)

Cooking and eating a healthy meal will make you feel so much better. Get in all the good greens and veggies. For me, a fresh meal means a fresh mind. If I'm eating junk food (like most nights... whoops, calling myself out) then that just makes me feel groggy and guilty for eating crap. Whereas healthy food makes me feel energised.

Take a Nice Hot Bath or Shower

 After I've eaten, I like to take a nice hot shower (or a bath when I'm at my mum's). This makes me feel so much more human! Especially when I haven't showered for a few days. Maybe TMI but that's unfortunately one of the side effects of mental illness that they don't tell you about.

I like to wash my hair, using nice products and use a soft moisturiser as well.




















The battered looking green lump is actually a lovely shampoo bar from Lush. I swear by these. And the body butter (front) is also from Lush. It works both as a moisturiser and a scrub, it smells heavenly and is shaped like a bee... how cute! The Coconut Water hair masque is from Superdrug, which I use after I've shampooed. I leave it on my hair for 5-10 minutes and then rinse. Afterwards, my hair is left feeling super soft.

Skin and Hair Routine

I try to stick to a skin and hair routine daily but I always suck at it. However, on self-care nights I go ALL OUT.

Recently, I bought some new products (which I most definitely could not afford) from the Body Shop and I am in love with them! There's nothing like smelling and feeling good to make your mind feel better.




















My favourites are the strawberry yogurt, because it smells like the Loreal No Tears shampoo, and the seaweed balancing toner. I was also given a tester of their Tea Tree Overnight Mask (the little green tub). This has really helped tame my breakouts.




On my face I also use the Gentle Oatmeal Exfoliator  by Superdrug's Vitamin E range, the Acne Cleanser by Mario Badescu and a moisturiser by Superdrug's Naturally Radiant range. 

For my hair I usually just use a detangler spray by Lee Stafford and the R&B Hair Moisturiser by Lush. Now that I have short hair, I've found that I don't need as many products.

Get Dressed Into Fresh and Comfy PJs

Next I get dressed into my favourite clean and comfy pyjamas: the perfect chilling out clothes.

Do Something That You Love and Find Relaxing

Once I'm in my PJs, I like to sit down and do some writing. Writing is my favourite hobby and is something that always makes me happy and takes my mind off things.

It's important to do activities that you love and which relax you. Other things I like to do is watch Netflix, play a game on the PS4 or Nintendo DS, and read. Whatever it may be for you - use it.

If you're feeling the pressure from everyday life then take some time out for yourself. Do something that you love so your brain can wind back down, ready to be back at it again the next day. You can do it, I believe in you.


Until the next time,
Char.

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