Remember our blog post a few weeks back about the importance of self care? If you didn't catch it, you can find it here.
As a team, we thought it would be good to share our self care favs and thoughts with you. Starting with Ellen.
My first port of call is always skin care. I love it! Massaging balms, oils and lotions into my skin sounds laborious to some, but to me, it's so therapeutic.
Being part of my routine, it punctuates my day. The smells and textures are a lovely way to begin your day and wind down at the end of it. Not to mention the wonders it does for your skin.
Recently, I treated myself to some products from one of my favourite brands and I've been reeking of roses, sandalwood and oranges since.
Treat yourself to a facial mist and start spritzing. It's self care at its most basic.
Next on my list is music. Whoever said music was the best medicine, was right. As a music lover, I listen to a lots of different kinds of music, pretty much every day. My advice? Find something new. There's so much music out there worth discovering.
My favourite past times include belting out a few numbers while I work, impromptu dance sessions in the living room, playing sad music I can cry to, living out my musical theatre dreams and winding down to my piano playlist.
Music is always the answer.
Next, I chose water. There's something about the water and being near it that brings me the biggest sense of calm.
Everything from the sea, to rain, I just love it.
According to research, open blue spaces are good for us. I can believe that.
Luckily, I live right next to a river where I have a series of sensory places I like to go to. Places I go to sit, to be alone, to think, wonder, relax or just 'be'.
Find a naturey (you know what I mean) place that you enjoy and go there! Even if it's just sitting back and watching the sky.
Find something that makes you feel connected. Look at it, touch it, listen to it.
Lastly and arguably most importantly, safety. If I could give any advice it would be to notice when you feel safest, most at ease or most cared for. Pay attention to where you are and what's around you. Be it things or people. Once you know where that place is; go there.
If your safe place is a phone call with your Mum - phone her.
With your dog at the top of a hill? Go there. An intense session at the gym? Do it. Mate date? Schedule one.
Whatever it is, do what makes you feel good. Go where you can be yourself. Surround yourself with those who let you.
No one's judging you. Even if its shutting yourself in the cupboard at the top of the stairs.
It doesn't have to make sense.
Hopefully you've taken something away from my self care list. Different things work for different people. I'm always intrigued to learn how other people care for themselves. What do you do?