Do You Suffer from Lazy Day Guilt?
You’ve worked your socks off all week, all you can think about is a ‘selfish day’ but is it selfish to have a moment to re charge your batteries?
Heres a few things to help ease you into a guilt free day off. Call it a self care Sunday, self care Monday, self care hour, whatever works for you.
Combating the Monday Blues
Let us begin with those pesky Monday blues that creep into Sunday. A simple way to put those blues back in there box is make your weekly do to list on a Sunday morning ideally with a coffee & something yummy. One for work and one for life. Don’t make it massive, you are only one human. Then break it down to what you’re aiming to get done on Monday. Did you know that in Sweden they punctuate their days with ‘Fika’ which is basically time to have a coffee/chai/tea and a delicious pastry and a chat with colleagues/friends or just some time out for you. This is because the brain works in spurts of energy and having regular breaks in your day, in the long run makes you more efficient. So don’t forget to add those into your daily plan.
Food Prep
Well there’s nothing sexy about food prep is there, until it’s 3pm on Monday and you love the past version of yourself for making that healthy ish brownie Wooo!! Its about setting yourself up for success, If its a loaf of bread, healthy snacks to stop you reaching for those foods you’re actually hoping to avoid, or batch cooking some soup up anything to make your week easier - future you will thank you.
Bath Time
There is of course your classic run a bath lock the door self care ritual, In Japan this is referred to was ‘ofuro’ which is a ritualist activity. Daily baths are considered a way to wash away stresses of the day. If you want to look into Japanese bathing rituals further have a look into onson baths.
No Time to Sit Down and Read a Book?
If you’ve got kids running around, a dog to walk, washing to do. Find something that you can do for you while doing those things, if there’s a book you’ve been dying to read but there’s no time or quiet to even think about picking it up, try and find it on audible. Whilst I don’t recommend carrying your phone in a pocket all the time, if you’re busy in the house, press play and take your story book with you. Works the same for a podcast.
Mindful Hobbies
Back to Japan, and using your spare time well with hobbies that nourish mind body and soul. ‘Ikebana’ is the art of flower arranging, giving something your undivided attention, in a calm almost meditative state considering colours and angles. A truly mindful practice. You could bring this to your gardening, or your indoor plant collection. These ancient traditions are all about slowing down and taking joy in the small simple things.
Simple Skincare
Staying in Japan, where Kyushi draws its influence, inspiration and truly honours the ancient traditions to bring overall wellbeing into skincare. Japanese skincare self care is all about moisture and nourishment, its not just about the products its how you apply them , facial massage is a huge part of a Japanese beauty routine, helping with blood flow and lymphatic drainage for healthy balanced skin. You can find the Kyushi ritual here, and follow along with a lymphatic drainage massage here.
As always I’m here and happy to help, if you’re unsure on which Kyushi face oil works for you, or if a Cleansing oil feels totally alien pop me over an email and we can work it out together.
Sending Love
Alice x