One thing that I need to incorporate more into daily life is self-care. It’s not all baths and candles but I do think that it’s still important. They might seem flippant and minor but if they make you feel just 1% better or more confident, then you pop on that silly little face mask and write in your journal! Here’s a bunch of what I consider to be my self-care essentials.
My diaries/bullet journals + pens
I’d be lost without my physical planners and pen collection. It’s an activity that I love to do either on a Friday or Sunday evening because, to me, planning is fun! Sometimes, I’ll even get out my A3 artist’s pad and sticky notes and plan further in advance. I do enjoy digital planning because it is much more practical but paper planning helps me to reduce my screen time! One of my favourite hobbies is content planning and brainstorming.
My Kindle tablet
I’m saving up for a paperwhite but for now, my Kindle Fire tablet will have to do. Unless I’m travelling where I use it to download TV shows/films, I only use it to read. There’s nothing I love more than treating myself to a long reading session. Reading before bed is a daily habit that I’m trying to implement properly again because it makes me sleepy!
Blankets
Cosiness is a top priority for me so blankets are something I seem to collect! Despite it being summer right now, I always have a blanket nearby just in case, especially if I’m having a movie night. They’re a great way to add colour to a neutral space but they’re also practical and pretty at the same time!
My snack box
I’m trying to eat healthier but I’ll never be able to give up my sweet treats. We’re mostly talking chocolate and gummy sweets, which are my favourites. I have a box in the kitchen with all of my snacks in it. Previously, I had a drawer in my bedroom but it meant I was snacking far too much!
Lots of water
One thing I know that makes me feel better almost instantly is hydration! It’s usually something I measure daily because I get headaches when I don’t drink enough. However, some days, I can fall behind. You can’t really catch up on hydration but I do try to get at least two litres of water a day, often three, as well as other drinks too!
Loungewear/pyjamas
One thing I love more than anything in this world is being comfortable. I’ve curated a collection of clothing that perfectly matches that part of my personality, from joggers to pyjamas, fluffy socks to dressing gowns. Since the pandemic and working from home, comfort is a non-negotiable for me.
My DVD collection
People make fun of me but I still own all of my favourite box sets and films on DVD. They’re either not on streaming platforms or they get taken off and put back on far too much. With my collection, I can watch them whenever I fancy! I usually have a box set on most evenings (currently Chicago PD) and then when I’ve finished a series, I might stick on a film. I do tend to watch TV shows more than films though unless I’m in a proper mood.
Hot chocolate
What’s a movie without a hot beverage? I’m not a tea or coffee drinker but I am addicted to hot chocolate. I do drink it daily but on special occasions, I do like to add syrups, marshmallows and sprinkles. When autumn gets here, I’ll be creating a hot chocolate station too. I’m also very particular about mugs too!
My skincare collection
One thing that I’ve also curated better since lockdown is my skincare and beauty product collection. It’s been pared down significantly but I still have my essentials, my favourites, and a decent backstock. I’m more of a minimalist but when it comes to beauty products, I have to stock up on the best products because my favourites always seem to get discontinued!
My self-care essentials are for you to draw inspiration from but they’re personal to me! I’m not into baths (I’m a shower girlie), candles, or flowers but if they make you happy, then go for it! Self-care is so unique to each one of us but try to find a handful of things that make you feel instantly happy!
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