Nourishing Home Toolkit. No Extra Time Needed.

When we saw the comment on Instagram that said, “I’m sending some self-care packages to my friends right now,” we thought, how lovely it was to be viewing those endless night’s in, as nourishing nights in. So, we asked self-care queen, Suzy Reading (who wrote a book on the subject) how we can flip what could be viewed as mundane, into something, well, good for our wellbeing. Here’s what she had to say...

During this unprecedented chapter of our lives we need a whole new toolkit of accessible nourishing practices, all without leaving home. What works a treat is turning everyday activities into a ritual of self-care. What are the things that you are already doing that you could imbue with tenderness or presence? The beauty of this practice is that you have potent self-care in no extra time! Sound good?

Here are some ideas:

1. Bathe for solitude

Switch up your regular shower for a soothing bath. You don’t have to linger forever, unless you have the time of the course, but make sure you submerge your ears for a deep feeling of calm. Let the world wait and just enjoy being enveloped by the warmth of the water. This is the tonic when a bit of peace and quiet is hard to come by! Add some bath oil for ultimate physical relaxation.

2. Mindful moisturising

Rather than our habitual slapping on, take the time to notice the sensation and scent of the products you massage into your face and body, extending care and compassion towards yourself as you do. Anchor your mind on a mantra like ‘I soften into this moment’ and we can feel a real sense of rejuvenation in less than a minute.

3. Inspirational downtime

There are many ways we can fill our time but not all choices are life-giving! Be careful with your visual and auditory diet, just as significant as what we eat and drink. When anxiety is running high, choose soothing programs or opt for screen free time. Make sure your social media feed is full of uplifting accounts and check in with your mind and body before you scroll to make sure that’s the healthiest use of your time. Make a list of nurturing alternatives – podcasts, TED talks, audio books, magazines, guided meditations and relaxations. If you haven’t tried ‘yoga nidra’ before, now is the time! There are so many resources readily available online. For mums, if home-schooling is sending you loopy (you’re not alone!) your go to is The Nourish App.

4. A gratitude meal

Down tools, switch off screens and come together to prepare and share a meal. Give thanks for the simple blessings of the food on your table and the opportunity to connect. Come together with loved ones over zoom and have a virtual dinner party. We are in this together!

5. Soothing bedtime routine

Build an evening routine that helps you all unplug and unwind. Create a calming music playlist or try some Sleepy Time podcasts for the kids. Even a single yoga pose can help slow down your mind. Try lying on your back, knees bent, feet flat on the floor. As you breathe in, slowly raise your arms up and overhead to the floor behind you. As you breathe out, lower your arms back down by your sides. Repeat this 6 times feeling it smooth out your breath and notice that when you breathe better, you feel better. Finish by drawing your knees to your chest and giving yourself a loving hug. When it’s time to settle into bed, transform your usual story routine with a spritz of Pillow Mist – this is known as ‘happy dream spray’ in my nest. Snuggle together and let the day melt away. Finish the day with the words ‘you are safe, you are loved, you are held’.

Suzy is a mother of two, an author, Chartered Psychologist and Coach. She specialises in self-care, helping people manage their stress, emotions, and energetic bank balance.

Check out her books ‘The Self-Care Revolution’ published by Aster came out in 2017, 'Stand Tall Like a Mountain: Mindfulness & Self-Care for Children and Parents' and 'The Little Book of Self-Care’ are both hot off the press.

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