Hello gorgeous! How are you holding up? As many of us currently find ourselves attempted to rapidly adapt to a drastically different way of living, we might find that our normal self-care routine is inaccessible. I, for example, run the majority of my boudoir photography business from home, so my self-care usually involves making sure I get out of the house once a day. That might be to the gym, to get my nails done, to watch a cabaret show or to take advantage of my cinema pass. All of these things that currently are on the no-go list! With that in mind, here’s a list of some of free home self-care suggestions I’m trying to keep my self-care routine up to scratch. Whether you’ve got 5 minutes for self-care or 50 minutes, there is something in here for you. How’s about you try a couple each week; do you think you could maybe do one a day?
Self-care in the boudoir
Get dressed: Honestly, getting dressed is one of the biggies. It doesn’t have to be full-on glam outfit – you could change into some equally comfy loungewear – but getting out of your sleep attire will have a significantly positive effect on your mindset for the day.
Orgasm: Perhaps the most fun of the home self-care suggestions! Whether you do this on your own or not is up to you, but orgasms are super for the old happy hormones, so go LOVE yourself. And remember, consent is sexy!
Get an early night. There’s nothing better than having a warm bath or shower, then getting in bed with fresh sheets on and turning the lights out early. Just make sure you turn off any early morning alarms if you don’t need them.
Pamper treats in the bathroom
Treat your hands and feet: Wash, exfoliate, moisturise and paint your nails. If you don’t have exfoliator, you can use a little sea salt in your body wash. It’s abrasive so don’t scrub too hard, just buff it into your skin gently.
Try a new make-up or hairstyle look: Missing your salon time? Why not follow a YouTube or IGTV tutorial, try a different eyeliner technique, learn how to do a vintage hair setting technique or perfect that Jessica Rabbit brush out!
Unwind in the living room
Try some YouTube yoga: Stretching feels amazing when you’ve been sedentary for long periods of time, so why not crack out a yoga class on YouTube. There are plenty of free options available (my personal favourite is SarahBethYoga as she focuses a chunk on stretching and flexibility) and there are classes suitable for all ages and fitness levels. It will also give you the opportunity to pause and connect with your body and breathing.
Go live: Connection is one of the most basic functions of being a human, and the beauty of social media is that we can now connect with almost anyone, anywhere in the world. Host a virtual dinner and wine night with friends, set up family FaceTime on your phone. Stream a quiz night from your living room. The possibilities are endless.
Crack out the colouring pencils: The adult colouring-in book craze a couple of years ago means there’s probably one lying about your house somewhere! Grab those pencils and enjoy some art therapy.
Dance: A personal favourite of mine! Crank out your favourite high energy tunes and have a boogie. Silent disco for one? Grab those headphones and go for it!
Self-care in the garden
Get some sunshine: Spend ten minutes in the garden, on your balcony, with your patio door open or sitting on your front step! Whatever and wherever do your best to get some sunshine and Vitamin D in your life. Wrap up if you’re cold and take a drink, the fresh air will rejuvenate you.
Do some gardening: If you’re blessed to have some outdoor space – or even a balcony or wide window ledge – then try planting some seeds. One of J’s colleagues has just delivered us a seed set of grow-your-own vegetables, which is one of the most thoughtful gifts ever and will give us plenty to do over the coming weeks and months.
Get creative in the kitchen
Cook/bake something new: Remember that old TV show Ready Steady Cook you used to watch as a kid? Well, this is the real-life version of that show! There are some amazing recipes online for cakes made with polenta, potatoes, courgette, beetroot and, of course, carrot. Its time to get inventive. Plus, the smell of cake or sweet things baking in the house is an instant mood lifter – and that’s before you’ve even eaten any of it!
Smash that to-do list
De-clutter your wardrobe: Its the perfect time for s spring clean, plus it might help you rediscover some clothes you’ve not worn in a while that you love! Arrange a swap shop with your friends for when life gains some normality, or create a pile to sell on eBay or Depop. Alternatively, consider donating items to a friend, a charity shop or a clothing bank.
Do some life admin: You know that mountain of energy bills, credit card statements, bank statements, club cards and more that you keep promising yourself you’ll get around to sorting out? Now is the time! Go through it. Shred and throw away what you don’t need. Also, if you’re self-employed, perhaps consider doing your tax return early – It’ll make your January so much better.
Self-care anywhere
Journal: I don’t know about you, but I always feel better after I’ve put pen to paper. Let those thoughts tumble out onto the page.
Explore other worlds: When your brain needs a break from the outside world, read some fiction or tune into a podcast. My personal favourite podcasts are My Dad Wrote a Porno and Dragon Friends!
Meditation: If you need a little more calm in your day, there are a plethora of guided meditations out there both via apps (such as Headspace or Calm) or online. Try one over the course of a few days and see if it helps you clear out your brain.
Let me know how you get on with these home self-care suggestions in the comments, or what your favourite things are to do FOR YOU!
Looking for a little pamper treat to look forward to? Why not treat yourself – or someone you love – to a gift voucher for a boudoir shoot! My vouchers are valid for 12 months, giving you plenty of flexibility to find the perfect date for the occasion!
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