If there’s one thing we know about our Belles, it’s that they’re always giving. Giving their love, their compassion, their energy and most of all, their time. But if there’s one thing they’re not quite as good at, it’s giving back to themselves. When you continue to give and give without taking time out for yourself, you’re almost guaranteed to end up burnt out. And when burnout strikes, it’s impossible to be the best Belle you can be!
That’s why it’s so important to prioritise your own mental wellbeing by regularly practicing self-care activities. The good news is, you don’t have to check into a 5-star yoga retreat to do it (although if you can make it happen, why not?) There are plenty of cheap and easy self-care activities that will nourish your mind, body and soul. Here are some of our favourites:
1. Chill out in the bath
Soaking in a hot bubble bath is easily one the best ways to unwind after a chaotic day. To ensure you can enjoy your ‘me’ uninterrupted, kindly ask your housemate/partner/small humans not to disturb you for an hour. Then, light your fave scented candle, pop on a relaxing playlist (or bliss out in silence), lie back and relax! For an extra touch of luxe, add a pinch of our La Vie En Rose bath soak to the water. Not only will the mineral-rich bath salts revitalise your mind and body, but the rose petals will make you feel like the goddess you are!
2. Get out in nature
There’s something so invigorating about getting out into the great outdoors, especially if you’ve been cooped up in a stuffy office all day! Whether it’s sitting in the park during your lunch break or going for a solo beach walk on a Saturday morning, the fresh air is sure to help you clear your mind. Plus, you’d be amazed by what a healthy dose of vitamin D can do for your mood and stress levels!
3. Take yourself on a date
Going out to lunch with the girls is lovely. Not only do you get to catch up on the latest goss, but you have someone to split cheeky pain au chocolat with! But if you ask us, taking yourself out for lunch or coffee is a seriously underrated self-care activity. When you’re by yourself, you don’t have to keep the conversation flowing. You’re free to get lost in your own thoughts (or a great book) or do some people watching. Oh, and don’t worry — nobody will think you’re a weirdo for hanging out alone!
4. Do mini digital detox
One of the easiest ways to practice self-care is by simply switching off for a while. Whether you do it for an hour or an entire day, temporarily disconnecting will help you recharge your psychological batteries. That means turning your phone off and stepping away from the computer. We promise that pile of emails will still be there for you when you step back into the digital world — and with a clearer mind, you’ll feel far more well-equipped to deal with them!
5. Learn to say ‘no’
This one isn’t an activity so much as a life lesson. How many times have you said ‘yes’ to things out of guilt or obligation, but when the day arrives you just want to curl up on the lounge and watch The Bachelor? Yep, we’ve all been there! Saying ‘no’ to plans you’re not keen on isn’t rude or selfish, it’s a crucial part of looking after your own mental wellbeing. You’ll be doing yourself and the people around you a favour if you only accept invitations to things you genuinely want to attend.
