Self care tips during lock down.

As the past few weeks of the Corona pandemic have unfolded, we have seen our self care take somewhat of a back seat. With salons, hairdressers, restaurants, gym's and spas all temporarily closed, many of us have had our thoughts and actions consumed with the crisis around us. Worries about loved ones and money may have resulted in sleepless nights, and for those essential key workers - a heavier work load than ever before. Parents across the nation - myself included - have suddenly found themselves with a whole new job role of teacher, cramming in long division among conference skyping and trying to simultaneously cook the dinner.

How can we get back to ourselves? With a house full of three children and no parks to let off steam in - its certainly something I've had to change my mindset in of late, finding new ways to incorporate some calm to maintain a sense of clarity. In order to help stay connected and find new ways to help clients who relied on their regular massage treatments to stay balanced, I thought I'd share some of these tips with you to help establish your own lock down self care routine. So we can hope to leave our isolation bubbles with a little bit of our sanity in tacked.

Practice Mindfulness.

Now, I know this is a bit of a buzz word at the moment - but I'm not talking about getting up at 5am and meditating for an hour under a tree. I'm talking about living in the moment, or at least trying to, for as much as you can find possible. Do you ever catch yourself going for a walk to catch a break and just wind up being distracted by checking Instagram on your phone or trying to think up what to cook for dinner that night?

I think we are all guilty of this, that's how life is. So next time you catch yourself doing this, try just to focus on the things right around you at that moment. Are their flowers in bloom, is the sky a beautiful blue, what can you hear? Smell? We need to relearn how to live in the moment and appreciate the simple. Try it and feel how it can help calm your nerves and center your nervous system.

According to the book - "Action for Happiness, 2020) Mindfulness has been has been shown to help people manage pain and reduce blood pressure, anxiety and depression. Some speculate it can even improve your immune system. In fact, recent research has actually shown how an eight week mindfulness meditation class can lead to structural brain changes - including increased grey-matter density (important for learning and memory.)

Immerse yourself in the positive.

We are all guilty of falling into a news bubble during times like these, its actually in our human nature to be attracted to information on disaster - but there's a healthy limit to the amount of news reports and articles we can absorb, too many can have a detrimental effect on our stress load and mindset. Try putting your phone out of arms reach for some of the day, and start following accounts that inspire you - not create fear. Immerse yourself in the positive, read a positive book, binge your favorite comedy on Netflix, start a journal about what you want to do and achieve when this is all over.

Get back to nature.

Now the warmer weather is making an appearance lets make the most of it, we can still get an hour of daily outside exercise and if you are lucky enough to live near some open space use it.

Even just getting out in the garden if you have one for some casual weeding, can do wonders for your mood. I really look forward to a daily walk with the push chair or a jog around the local woods - it can do wonders for your mood and perspective on things and is essential for helping your body to process those stress hormones. According to Dr John Ratey, a Harvard University Professor of Psychiatry - just 20 minutes of aerobic exercise induces beneficial responses in the brain, helping to alleviate and improve feelings of anxiety and depression.

Accept your fears, and move on.

These are uncertain times, and the fear this generates can have a negative impact on your mind and state of well being. Its completely normal to feel frightened at the unknown and whats to come, but that does not mean it has to takeover your thought process. Accept these thoughts and feelings as they arise, notice them - and move on. Just because the thoughts are there in your brain they don't have to rule your body. See them for what they are, thoughts passing through. Allow yourself to notice them as they appear, then let them go.

Using oils and massage at home.

Many of you are missing your regular massage treatments, but creating some well being rituals at home can help until the industry is up and running again. If you can - invest in some safe oil blends (although not if you are pregnant.)

Neals Yard do a wonderful range and the de-stress blend has been a regular in my household since lock down began. I pop some in an oil burner and let the scent waft through the house (also this seems to help keep my kids somewhat calm before bed!) and before I sleep I mix a drop with a base oil to massage into my arms, hands and neck. It helps keep me grounded. Using a great natural base oil like sesame or jojoba - both known for their skin enriching properties - to massage your muscles after a nice soak in the bath, with magnesium rich Epsom salts can help ease any aches and pains and help de stress. Although remember while natural - essential oils are very powerful, never apply neat to the skin, on children or while pregnant unless under the guidance of a registered aromatherapist. Most good stockists can advise if the blends are safe for you to use if you have any skin or health concerns.

Stay connected.

We are indeed, all in the same boat - or at least sailing a similar one. The importance of staying connected is more heightened than ever before. Lean on your community, Face time your loved ones, group video chat your friends for game nights, use social media to help stay connected - especially if you are home alone. We as human beings are naturally social creatures, we all need to fell connected, research has actually shown creating a strong connection with others is actually positive for our immune system. So don't be afraid to reach out to those around you.

A big thank you to all the key workers helping to keep things going during this period, sending strength and positive vibes to you all. Stay safe everyone.