Hello!

Happy Friday! Who's glad it's finally the weekend? I sure am! This week has been one big bag of mixed emotions and I am just not loving it. I've had days of feeling like complete garbage and days when I have felt on top of the world. I have sent of two new job applications have two new interviews next week. 

After this week, I am spending my weekend with some amazing people (someone who is truly special and my step-siblings/my family.) I always take the weekends off social media anyway, unless I have a brand obligation, so instead of lounging around not really doing anything productive I am going to have a self-care weekend. 

After talking to a lot of you over on my Instagram and my friends in real life too, it seems we are all just sick and tired and are struggling a lot more this time around compared to the previous two lockdowns we have had here in the UK. I have put together a list of 15 self care ideas that we could all try and practise over the weekend. I would love to see how you spend your weekend and if you decide to use any of these self care ideas. You can follow me over on Instagram (I'll follow you back) and we can have a good ol' chat in the DM's. 

15 Self care ideas to practise

1. Reading - From self-help books to a good old classic novel, whatever is your fancy. Pick up a book, set yourself a timer for half and hour get yourself lost in a new world. My personal favourite right now is Unleash Yourself written by Claire MacGillivray.

2. Gardening - Okay so it may still be a little too cold to go outside into your garden to get on your hands and knees but... head to the garden centre and grab yourself some plants that you can pot inside. Planting is something I have found so therapeutic, and flowers are genuinely beautiful things to look at. 

3. Baking - I gave this a try throughout lockdown one and two and although I am not quite at Gordon Ramsey's level, I have mastered the cheesecake if I do say so myself. I've made my fair share of red velvet cupcakes, lemon drizzle cakes and double chocolate brownies too. Baking distracts your mind and leaves you with something delicious to enjoy with a nice cuppa afterwards too. 

4. Scrapbooking - This became a huge thing back in Lockdown two and I think that's because we had all just enjoyed a wonderful summer. I have just brought myself a scrapbook to hold my future memories. I can't begin to tell you how excited I am at the prospect that life will eventually go back to normal and I can head to the beach again! I miss my late night drives too! 

5. Bubble bath/steamy shower - Not steamy in that way! Unless of course that's what you're into! One of my personal favourites for my self care is to get into a hot shower and just spend time with the hot water rushing down. I also like to have a cold shower too! However, if you're more of a bath person, grab a new bath bomb, a glass of wine and a facemask too if you'd like and spend time soaking 

6. Long walks - Self-care isn't all about pampering yourself because let's be honest, that doesn't fix all of our problems does it? Don't get me wrong it feels great to stick a sheet mask on, light a candle and push all my thoughts aside but that luxury can only last for so long, Heading out into the fresh air for a long walk, whether that be local to where you live, around a country park or a stroll along the sea front (keeping in mind the Covid rules right mow too!) Walking is a great way to clear your mind, exercise (which also counts as self care because it's looking after your body) and to stop you feeling so isolated too, 

7. Take a nap - While yes, exercise and getting out there is great, it's also a good idea to be conscious that you're not burning both ends of the candle and exhausting yourself completely! Resting when your body is screaming at you to rest is self care! You don't have to be some kind of super human who gives it their all 24/7! Take a break, especially now when things are so unknown 

8. Meditate - Meditation isn't always what pose you can get yourself into, that's more like Yoga which is also a good idea! You can meditate by lighting a few candles, putting on some calming music and sitting in a quiet room where you can concentrate on your breathing and let your thoughts run free. 

9. Journal - Whether you're a writer or not, everyone can journal! From writing down what you're grateful for each day or just having a pen and pad next to your bed/desk to write down your thoughts, Sometimes getting things down on paper can feel like a huge weight has been lifted from your shoulders. 

10. Sing your heart out - Sometimes sticking on your favourite songs, grabbing your hairbrush and singing your heart out is the perfect way to destress! Whop says you can't have your own karaoke night? Get your friends to join ion too via Facetime and all just have a sing-a-long. 

11. Kitchen dance party - If singing isn't your thing don't worry! Grab your speaker, turn that volume up and dance like there's no-one watching, If only you knew how many dance parties I have in my bedroom! Dancing will always be an instant mood booster, from copying those Tik Tok dances to whipping your hair back and forth until your head hurts, guaranteed smiles all round, 

12. Call a friend - M best friend and I are breaking down on a daily basis at the moment, if only we could see each other in person! However, just having our daily chats, it lifts my spirits enough to get through to the next day. We are a perfect match for each other because I am a heartless, truth telling bitch and she gives me the advise that kicks me up the arse. I know you read my blogs too, so hi! 

13. Borrow a friends/neighbours dog - This has become a popular thing to do lately too and I am loving it! I keep trying to convince dad that we need a dog but I just about got away with two hamsters so if I rocked up home with a dog, I don't think he would be too impressed! I can use my sisters dog if I need little cuddles so I'm okay. Speak to your friends or neighbours who have a dog and see if you could take them for a walk once a week for them. The ones who still have to travel for work will appreciate the offer. 

14. Eat  healthily - This is something I know I struggle with, if I am already down and feeling like shite, I crave all of the shite food too. Over indulging on chocolate, sweets and just fatty foods is not going to help lift your mood. Make yourself a smoothie from fresh fruits, enjoy a fruit salad snack or eat extra vegetables with your dinner.

15. Declutter! - Say goodbye to all of the crap that you've let build up and up until now it looks like a never ending pile of stuff. From paper that can be recycled to clothes that can be donated to the clothes bank. We are getting rid of everything that 1) you don't use anymore, 2)you forgot existed and 3) items that don't bring you joy anymore. In with the new, out with the old. While we are at it, we are getting rid of those clothes that  you brought to "inspire" you to lose weight. Erm no! They haven't done that and you've wasted your money. Buy clothes that fit you now and will compliment your shape. Embrace yourself and love every inch of your body!
    

Thank you  for reading today's post. I hope you have taken some self care ideas for yourself to practise over the weekend or now if you'd like! My Vlog will be live on Sunday if you wish to subscribe to my YouTube channel. 

I will be back soon with a brand new post. Have a great weekend.

until then,

Stay safe

Alanna Jean x

Latest posts on my blog

Be the first to read what's new!