This article is not sponsored. All opinions are 100% my own and do not reflect Her Campus Media.
When reflecting on 2020, we must congratulate ourselves for getting through such a stressful and uncertain year. It was unordinary, to say the least, and it was a roller-coaster of emotions for many. Whether it was when I was stuck in lockdown, or just in my general day to day life, I tried to maintain a routine. Sometimes when I felt a bit down or stressed, I pampered myself. There are times in life where you need to be your own best friend, such as being in lockdown – so create your own joy and do things that make you happy!
Here is a list of five activities I do to help myself de-stress:
- Have a bubble bath
-
This idea may sound so generic; however, I found myself looking forward to having that half an hour downtime to myself. Taking a bubble bath relaxes your mind and allows you to disconnect, leaving you feeling refreshed after. Additionally, baths have been found to improve your sleeping pattern – so if lockdown has been keeping you up until 4 am, a calming bubble bath may just be what you need. I have also collected a few links to products I have used that can make your bath time a little bit more relaxing and fun!
Sunday Rain Watermelon Bubble Bath – £4
Sunday Rain Acai Berry Body Scrub – £6
Lush Galaxy Bath Bomb – £4.95
Origins Charcoal Mask – £24
Revolution Aloe Vera and Water Lily Mask – £7.95
- Meditation
-
In my opinion, meditation seems to be so under-rated. Having those few minutes every morning or evening to put your mind into a deep state of relaxation helps release the stress levels you build up throughout the day.
I was new to meditation when lockdown first began; however, I discovered the app Calm, which helped guide me through the process. There are also lots of videos on YouTube where individuals will guide you through it, and the wide variety of videos allows you to find the perfect one that suits you and your schedule.
However, if you feel as though you don’t have time, I would suggest replacing 10 minutes of the time you would usually spend on social media with meditation – I promise you that you won’t regret it!
- Exercise
-
I know this can be easier said than done and sometimes with this your mental health can be your worst enemy, but pushing yourself to go for that bit of exercise (even if it is just a 10-minute walk) is such a huge factor in the de-stressing process. Working out contributes to the release of serotonin; completing exercise is scientifically proven to regulate your mood. It also gives you the time to distract yourself from the thing that is stressing you out, so, go on that walk, kick that ball, do that squat – I believe in you!
- Writing out your goals
-
The best thing about writing out your goals is you can tailor your goal setting in a way that works best for you. For example, some people like to focus on yearly goals and others on monthly. Some people want to create mood boards, and other people like to create lists. I love writing my goals out in a list format. It’s the easiest way for me to visualise my aims for the future and keep me motivated and want to work harder. It gives you that extra something to look forward to, even during the pandemic.
Also, the little serotonin boosts you get when you tick something off is a bonus too!
- Read a book
-
Reading a book that isn’t work-related helps distract and disconnect yourself from real life and your day-to-day stressors. It’s been scientifically proven that reading a book increases brain activity, and reduces symptoms of depression.
Here are the books that given me comfort these past few months, in a time where I felt the most isolated:
Everything, Everything by Nicola Yoon – £5.99
Lovely War by Julie Berry – £6.99
Women Don’t Owe You Pretty by Florence Given – £6.49
I hope that by sharing the activities that helped bring me calm and comfort this past year, has inspired you to find your self-care routine. With England currently stuck in another lockdown, it is so important that we remember we must look after ourselves first, and that we will get through this confusing and uncertain time together!
Follow us on Social Media!