The importance of “me” time – top tips for self-care and taking time for yourself

Busy schedules and lifestyles mean that taking some time out for self care is often forgotten about as we’re always “too busy” to stop. But self care and taking time out for ourselves and essential to out well-being and physical and mental health. It’s vital that we stop and take the time to unwind and de-stress and relax our minds and bodies.

I was sent this lovely self care package* packed with goodies to help us to relax and relieve the stress that daily life puts us through, with some great tips for self care.

The first thing I swear by when you’re feeling run down or stressed is a hot bubble bath. A thirty minute soak in the tub, phone and electronic device free, with a good book does wonders for the soul. It’s the thing I opt for if I’ve had a long a stressful day at work and just need to wind my brain down. Popping a candle on and treating yourself to a nice back fizzer and some bubbles makes for the perfect relaxing bath.

If you’re not into baths, which I know some people aren’t, lighting a candle and reading a book in a phone and device free environment is also a good way to recharge the mind and escape from the reality of every day life. I’ve got some good book recommendations here and here if you need a nudge in the right direction of an escapist read.

A pamper session is a great way to look after yourself as when you start to feel run down, so can your skin. Taking the time to have a pamper session work wonders – pop on a face mask and just sit with some relaxing music on, you can even paint your nails whilst you’re at it. I think a little bit of a pamper really works wonders for making you feel like a new person.

If you suffer from aches and pains, it’s even more important that you don’t overdo it and take the time to relax and recuperate. In my self care pack, I was given some tips from a GP about how to deal with different types of pain.

For back pain, take the time to move about and re-position yourself so you don’t stiffen up. Go for a nice walk or take the stairs instead of the lift. I always find a stroll outside blows the cobwebs away so to speak and clears your head leaving you feeling refreshed. Headaches are often caused by de-hydration so don’t forget to keep drinking water, which can be forgotten about in busy schedules, and no, the water in your coffee does not count!

My self care pack recommended using a new pain relief table called Combogesic, which is a combination of paracetamol and ibuprofen. The combo of these two ingredients in one tablet has been shown by research to work faster and deliver more effective pain relief and involves taking less tablets throughout the day.** Combogesic is available over the counter at Boots, so ask the pharmacist if it’s right for you before taking it.

It’s so important that you take care of your mind and body, after all it’s the only one we’ve got and it does so much for us! What are your tips for self-care? Let me know if I’ve missed anything!

Thanks so much for reading!

*Package received in exchange for blog post. All opinions my own.

** Research given to me in the package I received. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist before taking new medication.