5 Easy Acts of Self-Care To Do At Home This Week

If you're anything like us the last few weeks have probably been a whirlwind of new routines and habits, hourly fridge raiding and much more reading of the news and social media than ever before. As a result, you might be feeling more anxious and unsettled. Sound familiar?

Here we share five easy things you can do at home (each take less than 30 minutes and require minimal effort) to give yourself a little self-care. And if you're reading this craving some calm, then why not pop one of these in your diary now so you commit to making it happen? (Yes, "8pm - Bath Time" is a completely legitimate diary entry.)

1. Give yourself a manicure

Don't worry if you don't have a full nail technician's kit. All you need is some nail varnish remover, a nail file and some hand cream or moisturiser. Sit down somewhere comfortable and spend 15 minutes cleaning your nails, filing away rough edges, buffing the surfaces and re-moisturising your hands. Bonus points if you have cuticle cream and fresh nail polish to repaint them.

You'll find that time spent painting your nails is time that you can't be on your phone and so you're forcing a break from the constant news updates. Plus, every time you catch a glimpse of your hands over the next few days you'll remember that feeling of calm you created as you took some time out. Easy.

2. Stretch & unwind with us

Join our weekly Wednesday Stretch & Unwind with D&B Marketing Manager and Yoga Teacher Alice. We run these sessions on Facebook Live at 5pm and they last 20 minutes as Alice guides us through stretching exercises, gentle yoga poses and breathing for 20 minutes. No prior experience necessary. Just pop on your D&B and a comfy pair of trousers or leggings, set up a yoga mat (if you have one) and join us. Can't make 5pm? The sessions are filmed and uploaded to our Facebook page so you can watch the latest session in your own time.

3. Sit and read a book

Find a comfy chair or get settled on your bed with a cup of tea and a good book and give yourself 30 minutes of uninterrupted reading. The only rule? Put your phone on silent, out of sight or in another room so you don't get pulled away. This is a great before-bed activity to help you relax and unwind before getting a good night's sleep. Or, if you typically commute and are not at the moment, why not give yourself your commute time to read instead? Looking for book inspiration? Check out our latest blog on 5 Books We're Reading This Month.

4. Listen to a podcast

Craving stimulation and inspiration? The podcast has been having a moment but never more so than today. Whether you're seeking calm, inspiration or just some distracting LOLs, listening to others is a great way of engaging your brain with minimal effort. Whether you do so whilst on a daily walk, in the bath, whilst cooking or something else. Here we share 5 Podcasts We're Listening To This Month for inspiration. Enjoy!   

5. Have a bath

A signature act in the self-care manual but a great one all the same. If you want the full works (lavender oil, candles, bubbles) then go for it, but for many just soaking in warm water for 20 minutes and giving yourself time and space to stretch, relax and breath is an amazing way of disconnecting from the world outside and reconnecting with your body, your mind and your needs. Perhaps spend the time in the bath thinking about three things you're grateful for or practicing some simple breathing exercises to really unwind. 

We hope these little ideas provided some inspiration for how to build some self-care into otherwise disrupted days at the moment. For more inspiration and escapism, make sure to follow us on Instagram.