“Love yourself first and everything else falls in line. You really have to love yourself to get anything done in the world.”
(Lucille Ball)
If you’ve found the last few weeks stressful, you’re not alone. So, we thought we’d share some of the KBPT team’s favorite ways of taking time for ourselves. After all, the most important relationship you have is the one with yourself.
1. Bathe
Forget the shower and have a nice long soak instead. Light a few candles, grab the bubble bath and lie back. The Greeks and the Romans had the right idea – bathing isn’t just for hygiene, it’s also a time to relax and recover.
2. Read
There’s nothing better than getting lost in a book. It’s a chance to escape from the real world, tap into your imagination, and learn new things. Reading is a particularly good way to relax before bedtime and should help you sleep better.
3. Stretch
Whether you’re an experienced yogi or you just enjoy the feeling of a 5-minute full-body stretch, try to plan this into your day. It’s one of the best self-care tools as it’s good for both your body and your mind.
4. Listen
What did we do before Spotify? Whether you listen to the latest podcast or your favorite band, it can help to lift your mood and engage your mind. In fact, music has been shown to help reduce anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns.
5. Breathe
Take a few moments out of your day. Sit or lie down and get comfortable. Breathe in gently through your nose (counting from 1 to 5 in your head) and out through your mouth (counting 1-5 again). Do this for five minutes every day if you can.
While we can’t run a bath for you(!), we can suggest some books, music and podcasts – at the moment, we’re loving Ferne Cotton Happy Place podcast. series. Your KBPT trainer can also recommend stretches, yoga moves, and breathing techniques that help you to relax.
Get more self-care ideas from the Elle and Women’s Health websites.
