10 self care tips to try at home

All images via Unsplash

Be it our home, our planet, our staff or our customers—wellbeing is at the core of almost everything we do as a company. That’s why we’re here to do a little mental health check. How’re we all doing? Here are 10 self-care tips that you can practice at home any day of the year.

Self care tip #1: move 

One of the best ways to change your mood is to change your state. Get up off the sofa, up from your desk, and move. The most important thing is to do something you love. If you hate running, don’t force yourself to do a 5k—put on your favourite tune and Dad dance around the living room. Do a dynamic yoga class in your living room or cycle around your neighbourhood. The key is to get your heart rate going and get those endorphins pumping.

Self care tip #2: get outdoors 

It’s not just the Scandi decor style we’re trying to replicate, it’s their way of life. Practice that Scandinavian mantra of "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothes." and get outdoors. With many of us working from home, it should be easier than ever to find the time to get outside, yet the reality is many of us find ourselves chained to our desk. There are few things more rewarding than coming back in from a run in a rainshower followed by a long hot shower. Even a short 15 minute walk around the block does wonders at clearing away those cobwebs.

Self care tip #3: meditate

This one might not be for everyone, but if you have a meditation practice (or you’d like to start one) simply pop yourself on your nearest chair, sofa, or rug and begin. You don’t need any fancy gear or app subscriptions, just close your eyes, and breathe.

One helpful hack is to count your inhalations and exhalations up to the count of 10. Repeat this 10 times (you can use your fingers to help). This should take you roughly five minutes, depending on the length of your breaths, and it’s a really easy introduction to meditation. It's all about taking a moment for yourself, shutting out all the noise, and being present.

Self care tip #4: create 

Maybe you’re more of a creator than a meditator. From cooking up a storm in the kitchen to getting crafty with clay, fabrics, or paints, using your hands to make something is a proven way to boost your mood. Again, it’s about choosing an activity that speaks to you, whether it’s nourishing yourself and others with a meal made with love or getting in touch with that inner child inside of us all, through arts and crafts. If you like the sound of it or have always wanted to give it a try—what are you waiting for?

Take a look at our blog on what to do with your leftover paint for some crafty eco-friendly ideas.

Self care tip #5: log off

Now more than ever, our lives take place in front of a screen. And the long term health effects aren’t great. From disturbed sleep to neck and back problems, there’s never been a better time to do a little digital detox. We know you probably need to be logged on for work, but why not start with an evening of no tech. Once you’ve finished your working day, turn your laptop off, keep your TV off, put your phone on airplane mode, and revel in the time you have for other things. Be that getting cosy on the sofa and ploughing through your book, getting your friends over to chit-chat over some wine, or finally making some headway on that knitting project you started during lockdown.

Self care tip #6: bring some colour into your home

Our homes are incredibly emotional spaces—they bear witness to some of our highest and lowest moments. That’s why we, at Lick, place a huge importance on the power of colour and how it affects our mind. Known as colour psychology, our Lead Colour Expert, Tash Bradley explains how it “can help us to understand how colour can influence our mood, our behaviour, how we feel about ourselves and how we interact with others”. 

The long and short of it is that surrounding yourself with uplifting colours can have a positive impact on your mental health. A quick and easy way to do this is by bringing some bright and colourful flowers into your home, or some of the great outdoors in the form of indoor plants. Especially in the long, dark winter months, this expression of colour or nurturing something living can feel like an act of rebellion. 

Find out the best indoor plants according to your decor style.

Self care tip #7: journal

If writing is your thing, then put pen to paper. As the modern philosopher Alain de Botton describes it, the act of journaling is to “download your thoughts”. It’s a 21st-century way of explaining something that humans have done for centuries. But there’s a reason it helps to keep track of where we’ve been and where we’re going. It can put everything into perspective. If you’re time-stricken (who today isn’t) bullet journals are a popular modern day hack, whilst  keeping a gratitude journal is a proven way to feel, well, more grateful.

Self care tip #8: breathe

And if all else fails just… breathe… No really. The science is in on the benefits of breathwork and the results are unanimous. Not only does it help you relax but it reduces the effect of the stress hormone cortisol on your body, as well as lowering blood pressure and your heart rate: to name a few! Practices like the Wim Hof method have become really popular thanks to their instant results.

Self care tip #9: take a cold shower (or a long hot bath)

And if you’re going in for Wim, why not try an ice cold shower whilst you’re at it. Just like cold water swimming, taking an ice cold shower in the morning boosts your mood, stimulates the vagus nerve (which is linked to regulating stress in the body) as well as decreasing the body’s inflammatory responses. Though it’s probably the last thing you feel like doing first thing in the morning, just note the difference in your physical state before and after you try it. Don’t worry, you’re allowed to finish with a couple of minutes on hot. If cold water immersion really isn’t your thing - try a hot bubble bath. Light those candles, pour in those epsom bath salts, put some calming music on, then sit back and relax.

Self care tip #10: rest

And finally, if you’re really feeling it, make like your Mum would have done back when you were a toddler and ask yourself “does somebody need a nap?”. If sleep were a drug it would be known as the ultimate miracle cure. A good night’s sleep will improve your mood, lower blood pressure, improve brain function, as well as help your body’s repair process overnight. So, if you haven’t got the time or the energy for any of the above, just get yourself to bed by 9pm and bank some Zzzs. 

Take a read of our tips for better sleep hygiene in your bedroom to find out how.

We hope these self care tips have inspired you to carve out some much deserved you time. Try even one of them and we know you'll feel better for it. If you're in a rut, try reaching out to your family, friends, co-workers, or seek professional help. Sometimes, talking is the best medicine.