Self-care 101
Bringing balance and wellness into your day-to-day life through self-care isn’t an indulgence or meaningless millennial marketing buzzword: it’s absolutely crucial for both our physical and mental wellbeing. That’s why we’ve put together our self-care 101, for you and your wardrobe, so you can slow down and make the most of each day, and your favourite clothes and can receive the love and attention they deserve.
Prioritise your beauty sleep
Sleep is an essential function: it gives your body and mind a chance to recharge, boosting your cognition, productivity, mood, performance and immunity. How much sleep you need depends on factors like age and activity level, but as a general rule, The National Sleep Foundation recommends between 7 and 9 hours. For restful, luxurious sleep, we recommend investing in a silk pillowcase, like one of Slip’s. Silk fibres are both inherently temperature-regulating and hypoallergenic, so can improve the quality of your sleep.
Practice meditation and mindfulness
Bring some peace and clarity to your mind through meditation and mindfulness. You can try guided meditation through apps such as Headspace, or simply practice simple breathing exercises whenever you feel your thoughts racing. You can apply the concept of mindfulness to your shopping habits, too, such as by creating a capsule wardrobe. It’s all about intention, and approaching everything in your life with thought and consideration.
Eat green and healthy
There’s a strong food-mood connection, so it’s important to eat well and nourish yourself. Consider incorporating a few mood-boosting foods and ingredients into your current diet - like ginger, turmeric, mushrooms, avocados, chia, berries and green tea. In the same way, give your wardrobe healthy, plant-based nourishment. That means saying no to harmful chemicals like enzymes, optical brighteners, bleaching agents, and swapping in protective, plant-based ingredients which will let your clothes live life to the fullest.
Spend time in nature
Research shows that visits to forests, rural areas and other green spaces can improve cognition and reduce stress. This is where ‘forest bathing’ (Japanese shinrin-yoku) comes into play - which simply means the practice of slowing down and immersing yourself in a forest or natural environment. It’s a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of a busy life. And note that your wardrobe likewise loves nature, especially when it comes to drying: whenever possible, dry outside to let the fresh air work wonders on your laundry.
Take a candlelit bath
There’s nothing quite like lighting some candles, getting out a book, and taking a long, steamy soak in a hot bath. It’s a pleasurable indulgence which also promotes health and wellness, from improving mood and sleep, to relieving sore muscles and tension. We suggest elevating the experience with a natural bath soak or oil, such as Anthropologie’s Shiva Rose Venus bath milk, or The White Company’s Spa Restore luxury bath oil. And you can show your laundry some love at the same time: hang any wrinkle-prone items, such as cotton shirts, in your bathroom while you’re having a soak, to naturally steam the fabric and release any creases without an iron.
Organise your home spaces
Turn tidying from a chore you dread into a mindful habit you look forward to, and make a ritual of it. After all, a tidy home = a tidy mind. Sorting out your wardrobe is a good place to start, and it’s easy if you know how (check out our post for the full details). It can be made more joyful by investing in some good-quality organisers, such as one of Liberty’s luxury cotton floral print hangers, or Oliver Bonas’ recycled plastic fabric drawer.
With these top tips and tricks, you’ll be a self-care god or goddess in no time, and you’ll also be able to treat your wardrobe and favourite clothes to some much-needed TLC.
