Eat, Sleep, Rave, Retreat ..... The Rise of the Wellness Festival
Festivals may usually be associated with music, mud and indulgence but a new wave of festivals are taking the scene by storm. Offering an alternative to the traditional hedonistic indulgences the wellness festival offers holistic and mindful activities, soulful music and an opportunity to submerge yourself in feel good living and healthy eating.
Held in beautiful locations around the world, with the focus on nurturing the mind and body, the wellness festival can offer something for everyone. Here are just a few of the best festivals on offer during 2019.
A three day boutique festival held in Kent from 19-21 July. Aiming to mix the elation festivals evoke with the euphoria of a workout. Performers and athletes — surfers, dancers, free runners, mountain-climbers, all come together to look at the the way we view fitness & wellbeing. LoveFit is an escape from monotony, a taste of freedom, a place for people to explore new ways of living and moving.
Started ten years ago Wanderlust is the true original wellness festival. Set in various stunning locations around the world including USA, Canada, UK, Chile, Australia and New Zealand the festival consists of 300+ activities spread over a few days. From fitness activities and inspirational talks to organic shopping and nature hikes Wanderlust is a place for nurturing both your mind and body.
If you are looking for the perfect escape from daily life then this folky and creative festival, set around a peaceful lake, will be ideal. From the creators of Secret Garden Party, Wilderness brings together entertainment, music, food and a variety of woodland activities as well as paddle yoga, workshops, talks and even a spa. Music makes up a large part of Wilderness and headliners for 2019 include Groove Armada and Bombay Bicycle Club.
A wellbeing festival where music, yoga and holistic therapies meets glittery, festival antics and after parties. Stretch out in yoga tipis and lush Gloucestershire countryside by day and dance under the stars by night!
Live DJ classes, Sound Healing, Heated Yin, Dance, Aerial Yoga and more. Soul Circus brings wellness and fun together with artists from all genres joining to celebrate life.
2019 date is still to be announced but for the more adventurous of you this could be the wellness festival for you. Beyond Sahara takes you on a tour across North Africa over the course of a few days. By day, explorers are invited to join in the countless activities, from sports and yoga to massage and meditation. Then, under the stunning Saharan starlit skies, the evening music ranges from traditional Moroccan sounds to DJs playing electronic music into the early hours.
Wonderfruit is an annual arts, music and lifestyle festival that takes place at The Fields at Siam Country Club, outside Pattaya in Chonburi Province, Thailand in December. With an emphasis on participation and inclusion plus sustainability and social responsibility, the event features musical performances, art installations, workshops and talks, plus banquets by renowned chefs.
So if you are thinking more holistic rather than hedonistic this year and fancy swapping cider for green tea then a wellness festival could be for you .... but start looking now as tickets do sell fast!
6 Steps To Go From Bedroom to Sleep Sanctuary
We have talked before about good sleep habits and one of the first steps to creating a new and improved sleep routine is of course having the perfect environment to make new habits in. Whether we are aware of it or not the bedroom is the room in the house where we spend most of our time so it is important to get every aspect as perfect as we can for a relaxing and comfortable nights sleep.
1. The Duvet
We all know the difference a good duvet can make so if you're not allergic we recommend a down or feather duvet as they help regulate body temperature unlike synthetic duvets. The perfect duvet will keep you just the right temperature - opt for a 13.5-15 tog duvet for the winter months and, for summer months, you’re best going for a 4.5 tog duvet.
2. Temperature
According to The Sleep Council hot, cold and draughty rooms can seriously impact on your sleep. Your body heat peaks in the evening and then drops to its lowest levels when you’re asleep, so a cool 16-18°C (60-65°F) is thought to be an ideal temperature in a bedroom. Temperatures over 24°C (71°F) are likely to cause restlessness, while a cold room of about 12°C (53°F) will make it difficult to drop off.
3. Feng Shui
Shui designer and wellness coach Alexandra Lees advises that “Untidiness in your bedroom will stagnate the energy of your space and leave you feeling drained and restless - For a good night’s sleep, you must simplify, streamline and neatly organise the contents of your room. Declutter visible areas, such as dressing tables, then tidy hidden spaces, such as behind your bedroom door and inside wardrobes, as unseen mess here will still affect you. The most important area to keep clear is under your bed because of its proximity to you when you sleep.” Alexandra also suggests that you consider your bed’s location: “Position your bed with a wall behind you or add a solid headboard to create strong energy. To support relaxation, move your bed near a window for natural ventilation, but ensure that you‘re not affected by unwanted cold drafts or outside noise.”
4. Lighting
Subtle low lighting in your bedroom will help let your body know that the day is over and it's time to switch off. Restrict blue light from phones, TV or electronic devices before bed and look at introducing a dimmer switch on the main light. Lamps and fairylights can also create an important relaxing subtle glow to your room.
5. Smell
An important sense when it comes to preparing the body to unwind and end the day. Whether you choose to use candles, aromatherapy oils, a diffuser or a mist the right smell is key to slowing the body down. Research has shown that essential oils and aroma can provide relief for disrupted sleep and help improve the quality of sleep. Some of the most common scents and aromatherapy oils known for aiding sleep include lavender, vanilla, rose, geranium, jasmine, sandalwood and citrus.
6. Decor
The final step is perhaps the hardest to get right but ultimately effects the whole aesthetic and ambience of your sleep haven. Choosing the right colour for walls, soft furnishings and fabrics will do masses to create a relaxed mood as soon as you step through the door. When it comes to colours that promote peace and tranquility the colours to use are white, blue, green, grey and violet. Think of these colours as you plan any bedroom interior design project and choose pieces of furniture that give you a sense of calm, soothe emotions and that you will want to be surrounded by as you rest in the quiet of your new sleep sanctuary!
Wild Thing ... Animal Print Accessories!
The coolest 80s trends are back in a big way and we can find almost every fashionista on the planet rocking the style of fabulous animal prints in one way or another. Almost everyone from the top celebrities to the street style fashion bloggers, have embraced the animal print fashion trend in the most inspirational ways. Although there is no harm in wearing the classical leopard, snakeskin, zebra or cow printed outfits or outerwear it is the accessories in the animal prints that become totally head-turning. Here are some of the cutest accessories in animal print that can instantly boost your style from mundane to ‘’simply wow”!
Leopard Handbag
A leopard print handbag is a wardrobe must-have as it looks super-stylish on almost every occasion. It is a great accessory to elevate the attraction and style of any plain outfit. It looks stunning with the solid colours and basic outfits. You can wear it with your basic coloured dress or a jeans Tee shirt combo and never go wrong with it.
Animal Printed Flats
Animal printed flats can instantly accentuate a personality from simple to super-stylish. All you need is to pair them with the right outfit and to be on the safe side get an all black outfit to wear with animal printed flats. Classy jeans with a white button down shirt also look fabulous with leopard shoes.
The chic hair bands in animal print add a touch of classy style to any outfit and they are easy to wear and pull off. You can wear them while going to the gym or for jogging to enhance the personal style statement effortlessly. The trendiest hair ties in animal print are created with flexible and comfortable material so that they hold your hair back tightly during a busy day out without any hassle.
Animal Printed Contoured 3D Black Out Sleep Mask
With such a busy life schedule, the importance of quality sleep is unavoidable. Whether you are travelling or just need a nap to relax your mind you must own a high quality contoured sleep mask. The best qualities of this contoured sleep mask is that it does not smudge your eye makeup, is eyelash friendly, made up of soft and comfortable fabric and keeps your eyes safe from wrinkling while asleep. The classy leopard printed sleep mask reveals your sense of style and fashion while giving a relaxing deep sleep wherever and whenever you need.
Relax! How to introduce relaxation into your daily routine
Whether we are working too much, dedicating all our time to family or friends or generally living a stressful and busy life it is important to find moments to simply stop and relax.
Easier said than done you may say - as to fully relax, clear the mind and destress takes time that many of us just don't have. But in this fast paced world where constant communication and social media can easily take over our focus at all times of the day and where work deadlines and social pressures can be non stop it has never been more essential to find that time and prioritise personal relaxation.
No longer seen as self indulgence the art of relaxing is becoming as important to our daily wellbeing as nutrition, exercise and a good sleep routine. Whether you choose to invest in daily mindfulness and meditation or just some simple breathing exercises at your desk any technique to unwind and take time for yourself will benefit your overall mood, productivity and general health and wellbeing.
Here are a few simple relaxation activities and techniques to help inject much needed 'time for yourself' in the chaos of the modern world.
* Activities such as reading, watching a movie and taking a long relaxing soak in a bath are all quick easy ways to relax each day. Colouring books are good for taking the mind away from a stressful or worrying situation too.
* Create the right atmosphere - lighting scented candles are a cheap and easy way to make your environment calm and peaceful. Using aromatherapy oils at night, either in the bath or as a massage oil, will transport you to a tranquil space after a hectic day.
* Take time to master some simple breathing exercises - an effective way to relax wherever you are and when time is limited.
* Make the most of being outside and heading back to nature - just a twenty minute walk that takes you away from work and chores each day is a guaranteed mood booster.
* Starting the day with some yoga, even just ten minutes a day, will help with productivity and managing stress levels. Beginner yoga practices can be found on You Tube for a quick way to start.
Many other ways like cooking and baking or gardening to relax can easily be added into your day too ..... the important thing is to find things that you enjoy and by introducing them to your daily routine a sense of calm will ensue.
7 Benefits of Using a Resistance Band
Resistance bands are such an underused resource. Although you might not know exactly what a resistance band is used for, they're actually really simple to use compared to the other equipment we see in the gym! A resistance band is made of strong, thin rubber and are usually looped or have handles at the end for easy use. With resistance bands, you can do just about any type of strength training exercise - chest presses, rows, shoulder presses, tricep extensions, bicep curls, and even squats - without the need for heavy weights!
Here are our 7 benefits of using a resistance band...
1. Cost-Effective
Resistance bands are inexpensive whilst still extremely convenient. Don't worry if you can't fork out on a hefty £50 a month gym membership, you can do a full-body workout at home for just £25 with a SMUG resistance band.
We also have a resistance band body workout video on our Youtube channel to show you how to use it! Who needs a gym!?
2. Portable And Easy To Carry
Perfect for home or gym workouts, a resistance band is easily transportable so it's also great for those wanting to keep fit during business trips, flights, and other long journeys. They are extremely lightweight so easy to just stash in your suitcase or hand luggage when traveling!
3. Good For Stretching
A resistance band is great for improving your flexibility and mobility. Using a band along with your regular stretches can help you get the extra boost that you’d get with partner-assisted stretching, but without having to have another person there.
4. Perfect For A Full Body Workout
As per the last point, although resistance bands are fantastic for stretching, many people believe that's all they're used for. But boy are they wrong! You can actually use a resistance band to challenge virtually every major muscle group in your body.
Who'd have thought that such a small piece of equipment would be able to effectively target your whole body!
5. One Person Weight Training
You should never lift heavy weights without someone assisting you, but resistance bands are also assistance bands and are safe to use alone. You can use them easily at home without having to have a personal trainer pushing you!
6. Can Be Used With Other Equipment
Although resistance bands are a great alternative to using all the traditional gym equipment, you can still take yours along to the gym and use it to assist or even make your workout more difficult! They can really help you push yourself to your limits. You can attach a resistance band to a pull-up bar to assist you with your pull-ups, or you could attach it to a barbell to increase the resistance throughout the lift.
7. Can Be Used Instead Of Weights
Don't own weights? No problem! Resistance bands can replace the weights you use for biceps curls, or can intensify your push-ups. You'll be surprised at how much using resistance in your workouts can benefit you.
So there we have it! The 7 reasons why a resistance band is an absolute must-have for your gym kit.
Shop yours here!
In Your Dreams
Sleep! Most of us are not getting enough and this lack of it effects our productivity, quality of life, general wellbeing and can even contribute to more serious health issues like cancer, diabetes and alzheimer's.
Therefore it's time to take a serious look at our sleeping habits .... it's time to tackle any issues with sleeping routines and it's time to join the sleep revolution!
According to a recent report published by Public Health England the physical and mental health problems caused by lack of sleep cost the UK over £30 billion annually due to loss of work place productivity. It is no surprise then that Google reports are seeing a steady increase in searches relating to insomnia and 'how to sleep better'.
As well as nutrition and exercise we need to be including sleep when we talk about our wellness and wellbeing. Although long standing bad habits won't necessarily change overnight the below advise from Nancy H. Rothstein (The Sleep Ambassador®) may help you make a start on your very own sleep revolution:
• Make your bedroom your sleep sanctuary. First step: Take all tech devices out of your bedroom. If your smartphone is your alarm clock, invest in an inexpensive clock without an LED display. Charge devices elsewhere so you can recharge with quality sleep.
• Turn off all technology (computer, smartphone, TV, etc.) at least half an hour before going to sleep for a week or so, then increase to one hour. Just do it! Look at this as an experiment so you can actually evaluate if there is a difference in your ability to relax for sleep, fall asleep and sleep better.
• In the 2-5 minutes before falling asleep, think positive thoughts. What do you want to see in your life? Make affirmations. No negative ruminations about what you're unhappy about or what went wrong during your day. This precious time is an opportunity to program your subconscious, which is about to take over as your conscious mind gets a break during slumber. Think of your subconscious as a computer into which you are programming what will be downloaded during sleep. What do you want to be processed there?
• If you awaken during the night, do not look at the clock. Doing so activates your brain. You know the inner dialogue: What if I can't fall back asleep? I'll be so tired for my meeting tomorrow. And then there's the counting of how many hours of sleep are left before it's time to wake up. If you have other electronic devices in your bedroom with a visible time display, cover the screen.
• Consider keeping a sleep diary. This helps you gain awareness of your sleep habits, both good and bad. From here, you can assess what you need to change and monitor experiences and sleep improvement.
• Reading is a great way to unwind and transition to sleep. Read a printed book vs. on a tablet.
Don't pressure yourself for perfection. Look at your sleep crusade as a journey that will have diversions and setbacks along the way. But you'll have a roadmap to help you return to good sleep habits and experience sustainable improvement. You'll know that when you sleep well, you're more awake for life. Be sure to congratulate yourself along the way for joining the sleep revolution!
Note: If you suspect you may have a sleep disorder such as sleep apnea, insomnia, or restless legs syndrome, be sure to schedule a visit with your doctor or a sleep specialist. Getting diagnosed and treated will make your sleep revolution all the more effective, and enhance your health and well being.
Credit: Nancy H. Rothstein, MBA - The Sleep Ambassador®, Director CIRCADIAN® Corporate Sleep Programs™
Viva Las vegas! 48 Hours in Sin City.
With only 48 hours in a city that offers so much fun and excitement, a checklist of some of the highlights is a must. From cocktails to casinos, here are just a few places we recommend you visit... but be prepared. With such a short amount of time and with so much to do, it will leave absolutely no time for sleeping until the return flight home!
Breakfast like the King
The best way to start any weekend of excess is with a good hearty breakfast. Make a stop at Peppermill where for almost 50 years visitors and locals have been coming to this 24-hour institution, both at the end of a long night and the start of the day. The menu is impressive, as are the portions, and almost every dish comes with hash browns and toast.
You can't do Vegas without doing one of the buffets! Although Le Village Buffet at Caesars Palace does one of the best French breakfasts outside of Paris, it is the buffet at the Wynn that is both legendary and award-winning. Alternatively, head downtown to the MTO Cafe for healthier options like vegan carrot and coconut pancakes.
Make A Splash
If you have time to dip your toe in the water and experience a Vegas pool party then check out Daylight at the Mandalay Bay. Offering an Ibizan party vibe, the large stage area showcases some of the best DJs around. The Bare Pool Lounge at The Mirage has a more intimate atmosphere with two dipping pools. Wet Republic at the MGM Grand is well known for it's Champagne showers and video wall - hangout here in one of the cabanas and you will be fully living the Vegas life.
Casino & Cocktail Chic
At the Cosmopolitan, a host of restaurants and bars offer creative cocktails and enticing snacks. Be sure to swing by the Chandelier Bar, the casino’s epic centrepiece. For classic elegance and for avid poker players, the casino at the Bellagio remains a favourite for veterans and amateurs alike. Now featuring an exhibit on Picasso, the Bellagio Art Gallery is also worth a quick visit while you're in the building.
With a boisterous party atmosphere, you don't have to be betting big to have a memorable night at the MGM Grand. But for a more sleek and sophisticated experience, the casino at ARIA is the perfect place for a date with lady luck.
The Chandelier Lounge is probably the most memorable watering hole in Las Vegas. While the first floor bustles with the energy of a classic casino bar, the second floor is dedicated to the craft of the cocktails - making each glass a true hand crafted work of art.
For the ultimate thrill-seeker, The Stratosphere Hotel is the place to be. Already known for its 1,149ft tower, the hotel’s stylish and contemporary Level 107 Lounge is also reaching new heights. The venue offers an award-winning lounge with a great atmosphere to observe the panoramic views from.
Stroll the Strip
Miles of neon lights, nightclubs, celebrity chef restaurants, shows, and entertainment; the Las Vegas strip is the heart of the city. No trip here is complete without seeing the Bellagio Fountains - watch this water show as the fountains dance to a variety of hit songs. Then take a stroll to The Venetian and take a gondola ride passing beneath cobbled bridges and past piazza cafes.
It's Showtime
If time permits before the 48 hours comes to an end, take in one of the infamous shows. Whether its comedy, magic, circus, or music there is something for everyone and the productions offer some of the best costumes and visual effects in the world. Many well known artists have had 'residencies' in Vegas, and after 15 years at Caesars Palace, Celine Dion has announced her last performance will be in June 2019!
It is hard not to have a great time in this party city but do remember... what happens in Vegas stays in Vegas!
Our Guide to Natural Skincare
Skincare is a minefield. If you have a quick search for skincare tips, you’ll soon find that nearly every expert is offering completely different advice from the last. Often this advice is recommending extortionate products you need to purchase to achieve the perfect skin. However, some of the best skin remedies are super inexpensive! Don’t be fooled by the big brands plugging their products and promising you the perfect glow in return. Check out these natural skincare tips that we swear by.
- Take care of your pillow case.
When we think about skincare, we think about serums, lotions and potions. We don’t often consider the one thing that has the more contact with your face than anything else – your pillow. You spend eight hours (or at least you should…) with your skin pressed against a pillow case, and so the material matters. Be sure to opt for a soft fabric, silks will be a lot gentler than coarse cotton. You also need to wash it very regularly to prevent bacteria build up. Make-up residue and sweat lingers on pillows and leads to breakouts. If you tend to sleep in the same position every night, you should try to switch it up. Putting pressure on the same side of your face often will lead to fine lines and additional irritation.
- Hydrate.
Cue the yawning and sudden disinterest. We all know that drinking plenty of water is the cornerstone of happy skin and most of us are quite happy to overlook that. However, hydration isn’t necessarily about drowning yourself in water. You can hydrate your skin far more effectively by eating your water. Try to incorporate water-rich foods like watermelon and cucumber into your diet. You can purchase moisturisers that are great for the appearance of dehydrated skin, but the long-term effects of keeping skin hydrated are unrivalled.
- Don’t be so hard on yourself.
We’re talking exfoliation-wise, not self-esteem (but that helps too!). Exfoliation can be amazing at unveiling gorgeous, bright skin from underneath layers of dead cells. Unfortunately, a lot of women go above and beyond the call of duty here. Scrubbing with too much pressure can damage healthy skin cells and irritate your complexion. It’s not just the initial redness that can be problematic, the damage can be lasting – especially with extra-aggressive scrubbers! The best practice with exfoliation is to exfoliate softly for a longer amount of time.
Most importantly, try not to fall for every trending skincare hack you see. Something that’s miraculous for one person’s skin can be disastrous for someone else’s. Stick to products that are suitable for your skin type and always discontinue use if it irritates your skin. Though it might be boring, the best thing you can do for your skin is to avoid harmful habits like smoking and drinking too much alcohol. Try not to worry too much about breakouts as stress will only exacerbate the problem. Be kind to your skin and it’ll reciprocate.
Travel: Pack Like A Pro
Whether travelling for business, holidaying with family or attempting to maintain standards on your 'gap year' the stress and often inconvenience of packing is all too familiar.
Having recently returned from a wonderful trip around Italy with friends it became apparent that there are two types of people:
1. Those that can organise and maintain a perfectly packed suitcase wherever they are in the world.
2. Those with a more care free attitude who would be happy with throwing personal items together and hoping for the best.
Nothing can test your packing skills more than the rigorous scrutiny found at airport security or perhaps an over-itinerarised trip requiring frequent unpacking and repacking.
Over the years I have travelled both on my own and with various groups and companions, including children, so I'd like to think that I have now nailed the perfect packing routine and can be equipped and prepared for all situations whatever the location or accommodation.
1. Resist Temptation!
I used to think that 'more the merrier' applied to clothes, shoes, accessories etc and would pack for all weathers and possibilities regardless of where I was travelling to. It seems obvious but avoiding this makes it easier to organise what you are taking and therefore making what you do take justify its position in your luggage. Think about the weather, the activities you will be doing and the duration then make your packing list accordingly. Trying on outfits beforehand is a great way to plan and some people even take photos to remind them of their outfit options when away from home. A capsule wardrobe is key and will ensure all pieces can be worn more than once.
2. Bag it up!
Bags in bags... possibly the most important tip I can give for efficient packing. Whether you want to use travel pouches, cubes or bags being able to segment items is very important. Most people already keep their travel docs together for ease at the airport but don't stop there. Tech items like chargers should be kept together in a pouch, as can a medicine kit, underwear, accessories and I could go on ....even a bag for bags perhaps! This makes everything easy to find, to repack and will generally keep the suitcase more organised.
3. Roll with it!
I am a firm believer in the rolling method of clothes. Unlike folding, it reduces the creasing and can be more efficient regarding space - some people also add tissue paper between clothes.
4. Become a collector!
When it comes to toiletries don't be tempted to open all those freebies and sachets in magazines as soon as you see them but store them up as they are perfect for travel, particularly if just travelling with hand luggage. Also mini versions of makeup and lotions help keep the weight and space to minimum. Benefit do a great range of mini products perfect for looking great on any trip.
5. Plan Ahead!
My final tip is an essential life saver should your hand luggage be mislaid! Make copies of all essential documents from passports, to flight and accommodation details and keep them in another bag - this will save a lot of hassle if anything is lost or stolen.
Bon voyage!
Time Management 101
Do you ever feel like you’re behind on a million things despite being busy around the clock? Many of us do. A hectic schedule can get the better of us, and sometimes it feels impossible to claw back control. Take a minute. Breathe. Make a cup of tea and read these top tips on how successful people de-clutter their livelihoods and, well, succeed.
Always think one day ahead.
Whether it’s rushing around in the morning to conjure up an outfit combination or wandering around in circles at the supermarket, most of us are culprits of poor planning. We’ve been taught ever since our school days to plan a night ahead. The advice might seem tired, but it’s essential for time conservation. It’s far easier to leisurely pack a bag the evening before than it is to scramble around ten minutes after you ought to have left the house. Show a little love to your tomorrow-self. Be prepared.
Learn to say no.
Many of us battle with the fear of letting others down. When asked to go out for drinks or do a friend a favour, the thought of saying ‘no’ is unimaginable. However, try to think back to the last person who said no to you. If Jenny told you she was behind on work when you asked her out to drinks, would you be offended? I think not. We all need to learn to prioritise ourselves. Sometimes that means catching up with laundry rather than a lunch date. Most of us know what we need to take care of in order to be stress-free and happy. We just need to learn how to put it into practice.
Don’t let things pile up.
It’s all too easy to open and email and decide to reply later. But all too often we forget until we have a dozen emails we need to address. Save yourself the inevitable stress that follows putting something off. If you learn to tackle every task as it comes, there’ll never be a backlog. Sign the permission slip the moment you’re given it. Hang the washing on the line as soon as it’s done. Wash up the dishes after each meal.
Keep a diary.
You’re only human. With a busy schedule it’s impossible to remember where to be and when. Rather than rack your brains for a vague memory of somewhere you’re supposed to be, save yourself the time and make a note of it in a day-by-day organiser. You can write up your weekly and monthly goals, keep on top of shopping lists and keep track of your schedule. Make your organiser your bible and abide by it.
These habits don’t manifest overnight. You need to remind yourself often to practice them. But eventually, you will find them slip into your thought process. It’ll be second nature to prioritise, act fast, and conserve crucial time. The best way to ensure that you stick to these productivity tips is to fill your newfound spare time with the things you love. Spend more time with family, take up a neglected hobby, just do you boo!
Pamper Night, Every Night
Ahh the famous pamper night. One of the most common tropes of the uphill battle against stress and sleep deprivation for 21st century women. But how many of us actually partake in the increasingly elusive pamper night? Turns out, not so many.
A lot of women see a pamper night as an end-of-week treat reserved only for rare Sundays without plans. Some see it as the antidote to an awful day at work. But what if we incorporated a pamper night into our weekly schedule? What if every week we devoted a few hours to the real love of our lives – ourselves?
Taking time out to relax and indulge works wonders for your self-esteem, stress levels, and can set you up to brave the working week drudgery. But it seems that many of us simply don’t have an entire evening to sacrifice to such luxury.
Firstly, let’s abandon the American chick-flick cliché of a pretty blonde in a bright green face mask, on the phone to her gal pals, wearing pink toe-separators while she applies a glittery nail polish. Let’s be realistic and accept that:
1) Nobody enjoys that much multi-tasking on pamper night.
2) Nobody uses toe-separators in 2018.
We need to go back to basics. That extortionate Jo Malone candle you’re afraid to light? Light it. That teeny-tiny La Mer moisturiser sample you won’t touch? Use it. The hair mask you normally save for big nights out? Slather it all over your locks and feel like Rapunzel.
We save all these little luxuries for ‘big nights’ and ‘special occasions’ but fail to realise that these nights will be special regardless. So why not add a little magic to a Tuesday night? Rather than make a huge effort to look amazing in pictures, why not glam up just for you? Regular, small indulgences go a long way in boosting our overall outlook. Don’t live life saving all your perks for events that only come up a handful of nights per year.
Along with the little tipples of sample treatments you’ve accumulated over the years, there’s plenty of little treats you can pick up at very little expense. A great night’s sleep is essential to a happy morning, invest in your rest. Pick up some fluffy PJ’s, a blackout eye mask and a high-quality memory foam pillow. A relaxing pillow spray will cheer you up each night before you fall asleep, and make you smile the moment you wake up. The same goes for reed diffusers and any aromatherapy products. Invest in the smell of your home and it’ll manifest into your mood.
While it can be a real treat to listen to your classic power playlist, don’t. Browse through playlists linked to similar artists and you’ll find yourself stumbling on tracks you haven’t heard for years. Nostalgia is the cheapest self-indulgence there is, and you should seize it.
There are tons of ways that you can add a touch of celebration to the every day. So, remember to invest in yourself regularly. What I’m trying to say is – keep up the #livingmybestlife mentality, even when the cameras aren’t on you.
A Guilt Free Guide to Self-Indulgence
Being a modern woman is a struggle at the best of times. The daily drudgery of work, studying, or motherhood is a recipe for burning ourselves out – and we do, a lot. So, what do we do when we need a boost? Often, we follow the self-destructive path of Netflix binges, ice cream, and day-long naps that ruin our sleeping pattern for the week.
There’s a very fine line between self-love and self-sabotage. If you’re looking to indulge without gorging on a weeks’ worth of rest, calories and budget - consider some ways to counter toxic “treat yo’self” mentality.
Re-arrange your rooms.
Feng Shui isn’t just superstition. You might not prescribe to crystals and Buddha statues, but many elements of the pseudoscience have been known to boost moods. Simple changes like moving your bed to the centre of the room and opening walkways up can completely change the vibe of your home.
Buy yourself flowers.
Cut out the middle man and buy yourself a bouquet of your favourite blooms. They’re guaranteed to make you smile every time you walk by. Better yet, buy some low-maintenance potted plants or herbs and cultivate them on your windowsill. Not only will seeing greenery influence your mood, you’ll have a mild sense of accomplishment for upkeeping them.
Lay out PJ’s before you leave the house.
Coming home after a long day is a wonderful feeling. But sometimes our homecoming splendour is ruined by traces of the hectic morning that wee left behind. I’m talking make-up strewn on the vanity, rejected outfits scattered around, and the duvet begrudgingly thrown to the floor in disgust at the sound of an alarm. You might not have time to have the room spotless, but if you make your bed and lay out some cosy PJ’s you’ll feel much better for it.
Aromatherapy.
There’s a reason why we spend so much money on perfumes. Good smells breed good vibes. Try plug in air fresheners to smile the moment you’re through the door. Make a point of washing your sheets with scent boosters more often. Light candles and turn your bedroom into your personal spa.
Try writing.
You don’t have to be Bridget Jones or Wordsworth to put pen to paper. A lot of women are put off by the notion of splurging their innermost secrets onto a page or trying to create a Shakespearian masterpiece. Writing can be anything you want it to be. Write stories, lists, or even just make a detailed plan for the week ahead. Writing in any form can relieve stress and help you to gather your thoughts.
Learn something new.
Whether it’s reading a book on a topic you’ve always been interested in or going to a salsa class, expanding your mind it an incredibly therapeutic thing to do. Not only will you enjoy yourself, you’ll become more well-rounded. If, like me, you dread the classic ‘what do you do in your spare time?’ question – you’ll love having an extra talking point.