♡ 20 Self-Care Tips for 2020 ♡

20 Self-Care Tips for 2020

The term "self-care" has been thrown around a lot in the last year or so and I, for one, am HERE for it. However, it can be a little confusing as to what it actually means as it can so easily be confused with just being 'selfish' - which it really is not.

The google definition claims it to be: 

"the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own well-being and happiness, in particular during periods of stress"

Which sums up the most important factor being looking after ones own health, emotional and physical well-being and just overall general happiness. It is looking after yourself in any ways that suit you - regardless of how this may look to others - and I think this is where the lines become blurred and people can confuse it for selfishness. 

Self-Care is whatever you want it to be!

It is different for everyone, and therefore looks different to everyone. Which is the magic of it, really. It is basically, looking after yourself to be the best version of yourself so you can be generally happier, calmer and just all-round content in everyday life. We all have busy lives, families to look after, jobs to go to, bills to pay... and everyone deserves a little bit of self-care when they can fit it in!

The reality is - it is not always face masks and bars of chocolate (as much as they are some of mine and my partner's, too!) For some people, it is really having to delve a little deeper to find what makes you truly happy - regardless of what it may look like to others. And that is the part to remember! This is for you - and no one else!

It has taken me a little while to get my head around it, but I have found the next 20 tips are small (or sometimes big) things that I try to incorporate into my life. Some are simple things you can practice everyday, others are maybe weekly, monthly or even annual treats that just make you happy. Everyone's happiness is subjective, and I am not telling you how to live your life, but I have found practising some of these regularly has helped me to be calmer and happier in my everyday life especially at work! 

1. Find a spot in your home that makes you smile when you see it

I know this sounds ridiculous - but it can be anything from your favourite plant / your bedroom / the garden. My little happy place is in my hall way and it just makes me smile every time I get home because it is the first thing I see and the freshness of the white and "The White Company's" reed diffuser's are my favourite smell to get home to. Which brings me to number 2.

2. Fill your room / home with your favourite scents

My favourite's are anything rhubarb or anything cinnamon at Christmas. And fresh linen that smells like my mum's house. But it can be absolutely anything - a smell that brings back happy memories for example. Just make sure its something you LOVE - and it will always make you smile.

3. Face masks and chocolate

Need I say more? Sometimes it is just needed!

4. Go outside

Walk, run, skip, cycle... MOVE your body. In the fresh air. My favourite place to go is to the woods with my family. Even in the rain. You cannot beat being in the fresh air surrounded by nature. 

5. Binge watch your favourite TV series

Opposite to the last one I know - but some days you just NEED a lazy day re-watching Chandler and Monica get married.

6. Listen to your body

I am terrible for living my life 100mph in a big ball of anxious energy - to the point where I crash and cry. But as I am getting older I am starting to listen more to my body and I KNOW when I need to take a break and just r-e-l-a-x, chill and even just sleep. I still find it difficult sometimes, but I am practising this one a lot.

7. Write a journal or a diary

I have always found writing really cathartic and it helps me to filter out my thoughts and even my dreams sometimes - be them positive or negative. It is meant to reduce anxiety and support in managing your thoughts as sometimes having them written down takes them out of your head. 

8. Practice meditation

Sometimes the simpler the better, start with YouTube ones or apps like HeadSpace if this is something you are wanting to try.  It is my favourite before bed time and really helps me to just zone out and get a decent sleep. It is definitely one of the, if not, THE best medicine.

9. Spend time with friends and family

Connect with people. Put your phone down and really talk.  This may help them as well as you.

10. Take a trip to the beach

I grew up in Lincolnshire and one of my favourite things was to go to Hunstanton when I learned to drive. There's something about the ocean that makes me feel at peace.

11. Dedicate some time for just you

Even just ten minutes a day. This is your time. Paint your nails. Wash your hair. Google funny videos on YouTube. That is YOUR time - you are allowed it!

12. Switch your phone off for an hour a day

I have been doing this more recently, or even just putting it in a different room while I do work or spend time with my family. I always find I am just so much more at ease when I am not checking who is messaging - and you aren't tempted to sit and scroll mindlessly, either.

13. Delete social media for 24 hours

This is another thing I am slowly doing more of. At first, I really thought I would miss the ridiculousness of Facebook dramas and memes. But in reality, the world still spins whether you are on social media or not... I also found I was much less anxious, too. Out of sight - out of mind, perhaps? Either way, definitely worth trying.

14. Smile at nothing for 2 whole minutes

I read this somewhere that doing this releases the dopamine into your bloodstream which in turn just instantly cheer you up! It seems silly but I sometimes do this driving to work - I must look crazy! But it works, and it is an instant pick-me-up when you are potentially dreading the day ahead. Your brain cannot tell if it is a real or fake smile - plus frowning gives you more wrinkles anyway!

15. Write a list of everything you are grateful for

Even just start with small things - like the phone or tablet you are reading this on! Family, friends, a roof over your head, a job you enjoy, the fact it hasn't rained today... A n y t h i n G ! Gratitude is a magnet for miracles !

16.  Delete idiots off your Instagram and Facebook.

I use the term 'idiots' loosely as who I may think is a bit of a tool, you may love! But unfollow or unfriend anyone who makes you feel rubbish, who is toxic, who you haven't spoken to in a million years, who is just generally negative... and DO NOT apologise for it. Why do you need that on there making you feel crap? You don't. Use your social media more wisely. Use it to lift you up and to make you feel the best version of yourself. Otherwise, what is the point?

17. Book a trip / holiday / festival 

I loooooooove booking things.... Even a night away with my family is enough to keep me going through the long days at work - especially in the winter months when it is cold, dark and dreary!  I also love a countdown to them... Anything that keeps you going and gives you a spring in your step is worth it.

18. Treat yourself 

This is different for everyone. Buy the bag, the shoes, the laptop... Eat the last piece of cake. Whatever it is - do it.

19. Cut out toxicity

In whatever form it is - people, social media, a job you hate... Whatever it is. CUT. IT. OUT.  Don't apologise for removing something from your life that is making you unhappy. Unless it is bringing you peace, joy, money or orgasms - you do not need it. No one needs anything remotely toxic in their life. Unless it's Britney, obvs. 

20. Have a drink

Mine's a rhubarb gin and tonic, please. But whatever is yours - have that and don't feel guilty about it.

At the end of the day it is all about love, positivity and happiness. These bring me my peace.

Are any of these your self-care tips? Let me know if you try any.

Lots of Love

EP xox