One of the highlights of the Easter long weekend for me is having a little extra time up my sleeve to squeeze in some self care.

Self care looks different to everyone, but for me it's essentially a time I can set aside for myself, to be present, to relax and to do something that really enriches my wellbeing and state of mind. 

 As much as many of us strive to squeeze the fundamental things in to our busy schedules, it can be difficult at times to slow down amongst the pace of our daily routine.

Ultimately the most powerful way to exercise self care is to establish what it means for you and to commit time to it as often as you can. I recommend taking some time to explore that and encourage you to write a little list of things you can refer back to when you're searching for a way to restore and reconnect. 

Here are 5 things from my own list to get you on your way.

Wishing you a safe and joyful Easter with your beloved.

1. DIY Turmeric Face Mask 

Turmeric is an incredible all-rounder that is high in antioxidants and is also a powerful anti-inflammatory. Introducing Turmeric into your skincare routine may assist with brightening, evening pigmentation and is widely known to aid skin conditions such as acne and eczema. 

Mix the following ingredients in a small bowl and apply to clean, dry skin with a brush or your fingertips. I recommend washing the mask off within 10 minutes to prevent any staining. 

• 1 tbsp greek yoghurt
• 1/2 tbsp raw honey
• 1/2 tbsp turmeric 
• Lemon juice (until you reach the desired consistency)

2. Awaken Your Inner Yogi 

My favourite time of the day to practice yoga is either early morning or just before bed. Often I will work through my own intuitive flow, otherwise I really enjoy guided sessions via YouTube with Yoga With Adriene.

My Go To Spotify Playlist for intuitive flows - Vinyasa Flow

Guided Morning Flow - Yoga With Adriene - Morning Fresh

Guided Evening Flow - Yoga With Adriene - 20 Minute Bedtime Practice 

3. Journaling For Mindfulness 

Journaling or meditative writing can be incredibly cathartic. For many years I staved away from journaling because I believed I had to do it every day and it was difficult to keep the consistency. Flash forward and it's now one of my favourite things to do. I am less focussed on detailing events and happenings and more so focussed on my feelings, thoughts and the present moment. 

It can be daunting to put your pen on paper and to face your feelings head on but there are ways to ease into it and you could be surprised with what eventually comes. 

If you're unsure where to start, sit outside with your notebook, be present and start to write about your surroundings - things you can see, hear, feel and smell. You may then choose to ease in to how you're feeling, what primary thoughts or feelings are sitting with you and other thoughts.

4. Breathwork

There are a lot of ways to practice breathwork. It can be as simple as closing your eyes, inhaling for 2-4 seconds and exhaling for 4-6 seconds for as little as 3 rounds, or you can explore other work and experiences at your own pace. It is important to make sure whenever practicing meditation or breathwork that you are in a safe space and of course that you are comfortable attempting the exercise. 

My starting point for breathwork, and favourite exercise to date is the Wim Hof Method. 

If you are completely new to this type of exercise or haven't practiced the Wim Hof Method before, I recommend this Free 3-Part Mini Class as an informative and guided introduction. 

5. Spend Time On Your Hobby Purely For Fun

This is a big one for me! I am sure many other creatives and small-business owners may relate, especially when your hobby is now your business or side hustle. It is very easy to spend all of your creative energy on the business but I have found it is super important to remember to take time out and to enjoy the hobby simply for the joy it brings. 

For me, lately it's been sewing myself some me-made items for my wardrobe and some furnishings for our new home. 

Taking this time to make something with no expectation or deadline really allows you to be present and creatively free. I've also often found that after these moments when I return to my work, I am more inspired and open minded.