Chances are that you’ll see the drive for “self care” a little more than usual this Women’s Month. And while it’s a message we can totally get behind - we also know that the beauty industry marketers have taken this mental health practice and turned it into big dollar.
Here’s why we believe that looking after yourself and feeling good, isn’t always about reaching into your pocket for endless new products and treatments.
Look, don’t get us wrong. If you want to treat yourself to something new then that’s absolutely great! In fact, we highly recommend our Aya Range ;)
What we’re talking about is the age-old pressure women feel to keep up with intensive beauty duty by splurging on extra products and treatments that they neither need nor want. Especially when it’s been remasked with the messaging that it’s simply self care to spend, spend, spend.
What is Self Care anyways?
Simply put, self care is “the practice of taking an active role in protecting one's own health, well-being and happiness” and this can look very different for different people. Self Care is a lot of things and it’s ultimately up to you to determine what your mind, body and soul need most. What it’s not is anything that you’re doing out of pressure or guilt.
And while for you self care might occasionally look like getting your nails done or investing in some new skincare, it doesn’t always have to come with a bill. Instead consider your own needs and work to find ways you can build an inexpensive self care routine into your daily life.
SELF CARE - IT’S FREE!
Self care won’t just magically happen. Prioritising your physical and mental health will take some planning! So we suggest starting off small and then building up your own routine as you figure out what works best for you.
If you want to feel good and care for yourself, here are some ways to give yourself some TLC or a timeout - without clocking up more expenses or products.
- Meditate. Set aside some quiet time. Light your favourite candle. And give your brain the mental break it deserves. There are loads of free guided meditations on Youtube and you can choose what, when and for how long suits you. There’s no right or wrong way to unplug!
- Set yourself up for successful sleep. The best way to look after yourself is to clock in your solid 8 hours. By making an intentional bedtime ritual and environment, you’re doing your mental and physical health a WORLD of good. We recommended fresh sheets, switching off devices, popping some sprigs of lavender next to the bed and hunkering down with an eye mask.
- Write it out. Get to know yourself better and unpack your headspace by journaling. This can be free flow writing, quick doodles or a Haiku - just put on some music, get a glass of wine or a cuppa herbal tea and contemplate your own navel for a while. You never needed permission but baby, you have it.
- Looking for some beauty self care? A full body scrub is a fool-proof way to get an all over glow. You can make a gentle exfoliant with what’s around the house - sugar or ground coffee from your plunger as a natural abrasive and coconut or olive oil as the carrier. Hello, Goddess!
- Say no. Setting boundaries is our favourite form of self care. If you don’t want to do something then skip the obligation. Instead, wile away an hour or two doing something you truly love but never get a chance to do. Watering your plants, gardening, reading, taking a long soak in the tub or whatever floats your boat.
There’s no uniform to look after yourself. The important thing is that you feel empowered to put your wellness first. And that you don’t feel obligated to rack up the receipts while on your self care journey.
Happy Women’s Month, Aya family!
Team Aya
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