Your guide to establishing self-care rituals

New year, new you? Turning over a new leaf at the start of a year can be the perfect time to incorporate some self-loving rituals into your life. The past few years have been tough to say the least, so this is our invitation to take some time for yourself and invest in number one.

What is Self-Care and What are Self-Care Rituals?

Self-care is a movement that gives us permission to look after ourselves by promoting healthy functioning and enhancing wellbeing. In short, a self-care ritual is a conscious act a person takes to contribute to their own physical, mental and emotional health.  

Setting Self-Care Rituals

It can be rather hard to make time for yourself. Some people new to self-care feel it is selfish, or have a particularly hard time prioritising themselves. But remember those in-flight safety videos about putting on your own mask before others? You can only give to everyone else if you look after yourself in the first place. We recommend starting small and making achievable goals while discovering what you like. 

Our Favourite Self-Care Rituals:

1/ Spend Time Outside 

Nature does wonders for our body and mind. We suggest finding a ‘sit spot’ – a special place outdoors that you can visit for at least ten minutes a day to cultivate awareness and expand your senses. This could be a space in your garden, a spot on a deck, or even a bit of greenery near your workplace car park. Using the same spot is great if possible, as it helps to establish a lovely ritual, but the main thing is to get out in some fresh air and give yourself a moment to breathe. 

2/ Journal 

Journaling is a great way to get rid of mental clutter and get it all out on the page. You might choose to journal each night before bed to help relax before sleeping, or you might take inspiration from Julia Cameron and write a stream of consciousness each morning.

3/ Meditate

Meditation can be done anywhere and doesn’t require anything but yourself. There are a number of techniques out there, but most focus on quieting the mind and achieving internal presence. There are lots of apps out there to help with guided meditations, including the Calm app, or you might find a simple mantra to repeat to yourself as you breathe in and out, such as “I breathe in peace”.

4/ Practice Yoga 

Restorative movement is a wonderful way to practice self-care. Yoga is an ancient form of exercise that focuses on strength, flexibility and breathing to boost wellbeing. A series of movements or postures are held while breathing to achieve harmony between body and mind. There are lots of yoga classes out there including yin yoga, hot yoga, and outdoor yoga, and you can also find some great yoga sessions on YouTube. Also, take a moment to read up on why exercise is so great for the skin!

5/ Indulge in the Little Things 

Self-care allows us to treat every day as a gift. Rather than saving things for a “special” day, let yourself enjoy them now. Buy yourself a bunch of flowers, light a candle or take a relaxing bath - the point is that you let yourself enjoy these experiences and really treasure them while stimulating your senses in the process. Have a peek at all the wonderful self-care goodies we have on our online store.

6/ Treat Yourself to a Weekly Hair Mask and Face Mask 

A weekly hair mask and face mask is a wonderful treat to give yourself. This could be a Friday night where you find yourself at home and give yourself a mini spa treatment, or a Sunday night where you engage in some lovely beauty rituals before the week ahead. 

7/ Treat Your Skincare Routine as ‘Me’ Time 

A skincare routine gives us a chance to be present and can provide a much needed moment of calm in the mornings and evenings. We suggest you embrace the opportunity to enjoy your skincare routine and take your time. Be mindful and really use your senses, such as feeling a product or water on your skin as well as your sense of smell.

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If you liked this blog, head over to our Blog page to read more of our helpful skincare guides! If you live in Auckland and are new to the world of facials, get in contact with us or make a facial appointment here. 

We offer free no-obligation skincare consultations which involve an in-depth assessment of your skin and a recommended prescription of products and treatments.

Alternatively, head over to our online store for some skincare retail therapy (we have some beautiful gift ideas too)!