Make time for me-time

1. Make time for me-time

One of my go-to practices for maintaining a healthy state of mind is carving out "me- time". It's essential to have moments of solitude where we can gather our thoughts and find inner peace. Creating a sanctuary at home is one way to achieve this. I love setting the scene with Neal’s Yard Remedies products like candles, diffusers, and aromatherapy oils, all of which help to create a serene and calming environment.

2. Connect with friends

Connecting with friends is another vital aspect of mental health. I've noticed that when I become too focused on work and neglect my friendships, my mental wellbeing suffers. So, I make a conscious effort to connect with friends, both online and offline. Meeting up for a coffee or engaging in offline activities allows us to nurture those meaningful connections that bring joy and support into our lives.

3. Move 

Movement is a powerful tool for managing mental health. I've recently discovered Love Supreme Yoga, and I'm absolutely loving it. Engaging in physical activities not only benefits our physical health but also releases endorphins and boosts our mood. Dancing around my kitchen is another way I incorporate movement and music into my daily routine. It's a fantastic way to let loose and lift my spirits.

4. Invest in holistic therapies

Treating myself to a Neal's Yard Remedies massage is pure heaven for me. I've experienced their Body Stress Release treatment, which was incredibly beneficial for my mental wellbeing. It helped me release tension, relax, and find a sense of inner calm. Treatments like these can provide a much-needed escape from the stresses of life and contribute to our overall mental wellness.

5. Prioritise Sleep

Sleep is one of the pillars of wellbeing, and I cannot stress its importance enough. Whenever I'm feeling low or overwhelmed, a good nap or a restful night's sleep can work wonders. Establishing a bedtime routine is crucial for a peaceful slumber. I personally wind down with a cup of Neal’s Yard Remedies Night Time Tea, indulge in the soothing scent of their Goodnight Pillow Mist, and sometimes take a relaxing bath with their Beauty Sleep products. These rituals help create a serene atmosphere conducive to a restorative sleep.

6. Eat Well 

The connection between diet and mental health is still an emerging field, but I've noticed that nurturing my body with nutritious foods significantly improves my mood. Superfoods like maca, matcha, and ashwagandha are my go-to ingredients to reduce stress, improve cognitive function and enhance my mood. Incorporating them into a mood-boosting smoothie is a delicious way to support both physical and mental wellbeing.

7. Practise calming rituals

To find calm and clarity, I often turn to my inner compass cards. These cards provide guidance and ground me when I'm feeling anxious or uncertain and are little reminders to follow my path. They help me tap into my intuition and gain a fresh perspective on challenging situations.  It's a simple yet powerful practice that brings me a sense of peace.

8. Learn and look for inspiration

Lastly, listening to podcasts has been a source of inspiration and knowledge for me. I highly recommend Mark Groves' Create The Love podcast. For Season 7 of Saturn Returns I’ve talked with many experts about mental health struggles, always finding solutions and tools to manage it better and share those with my audience. It's through these conversations that I continue to learn and grow in my own journey.

In addition to all these practices, I've found solace in writing poetry. Setting aside time to create, away from screens that can affect our mental health, allows me to alchemise the worries of the day into something beautiful. It's a cathartic experience that helps me to find peace and tranquility.