The Health and Wellbeing Edit: Expert Tips from our Founder

The nation's health and wellbeing has never been as important, or as focused on, as right now. Here’s how to feel good both mentally and physically in 2021.

In these stressful times finding a moment to focus on your health and wellbeing can feel like an impossibility. But making time for yourself doesn’t need to involve a 4-day spa retreat (unless you want it to, of course!),  just taking three deep belly breaths can be enough to recentre and let you feel more at ease with the world.

At Sensory Retreats we know that self-care, health and wellbeing are so much more than buzzwords.

They’re essential. Cultivating your daily routine to make time for wellbeing will not just reduce feelings of anxiety and depression, but it will make you physically healthier and happier, both immediately and in the long run.

Below are 5 top tips from our Founder, Clare Anderson,  that will ensure you’re in the best possible place, both mentally and physically, to deal with whatever challenges you face.

1. Establish a Routine

It’s been said that human beings are creatures of habit, which certainly rings true for our health and wellbeing.

Little techniques like getting up at the same time every day, actually taking your lunch break, and having a night-time routine that sets you up for a great night’s sleep will help you feel in control, happier and more productive.

Check out our article on how to get more energy and start your day the right way if you need some inspiration for an excellent morning routine.

Sleep is one of the most important ways to improve your productivity, energy levels, and overall wellbeing. If you struggle to drift off, try utilising relaxation techniques such as guided meditation or introducing some aromatherapy into your bedtime routine. 

A lavender-infused pillow spray is an excellent addition to your bedroom, or try our Luna sleep rollerball on your pulse points to calm an overactive mind and help you drift off.

2. Stay Connected

If lockdown has taught us anything, it’s how important our social connections are. Even when you can’t be with your loved ones, taking the time to call, message, or schedule a video call to stay connected will lift your spirits.

That said, “zoom fatigue” is real. If you’re struggling to stay connected when apart, then try mixing it up with an online trivia quiz or virtual games. 

If you can, meet up with your friends or family at least once a week and do something that makes you smile. 

Connection doesn’t just have to be with your friends and family, though. Talk to the cashier at your local supermarket (assuming the queue isn’t too long), stop and chat when you take the dog for a walk - you could even join online forums to find new connections with people passionate about the same things as you are.

As the saying goes “it’s good to talk!”

3. Move your Body

Yup, it’s another article on health and wellbeing telling you to exercise! But honestly, exercise really is so good for you both physically and mentally.

While we know it’s boring being told to work out every time you look for new ways to improve your wellbeing, it really is a vital component of a happy and healthy lifestyle.

Not only will exercise help improve your self-esteem as you reach your body goals, but even 10 minutes of exercise a day has been proven to be a mood booster, reduce depression and anxiety, and improve your energy levels throughout the day.

If you can’t get to a gym, there are loads of online classes and tutorials you can use to exercise at home. Many of these require absolutely no equipment and can range from Joe Wicks' 7-minute HIIT workouts to 30-minute happy dance workouts that are sure to put a smile on your face.

Looking for a long-term challenge? Try 30 Days of Yoga With Adriene for some awesome home workouts focusing on mindful movements that will make you feel fabulous inside and out.

4. Notice Negative Thoughts

We toyed with calling this section “stay positive,” but it’s both much simpler and much more complicated than that.

No matter how much of a happy and upbeat person you are, negative thoughts are an inevitable part of life, but the trick is how you deal with them.

I was listening to a podcast last night that mentioned an emotion only lasts around 90 seconds if you don’t pay it any attention. 

Sure, this is easier said than done, but there are some beneficial techniques you can use to notice and release negative emotions. Here’s one of my personal favourites - it really helps me when those feelings start to creep in. 

Think of your mind like the sky and emotions as clouds. Sometimes, the sky is beautiful, clear, and blue, with bright sunlight warming everything in sight. Other times, there are a few light, fluffy clouds. 

But sometimes those clouds are dark and stormy. And sometimes, that storm feels like it will last forever. 

But just like every storm eventually ends, and every cloud will eventually blow away, our minds are not our emotions, and sunnier days will always come in the end.

Noticing your thoughts doesn’t mean you have to become them. Just like the sky never changes, no matter what the weather is doing, eventually, you will be able to feel your feelings without being consumed by them (and you might even find a way to deal with them – like bringing an umbrella when it rains!).

5. Schedule “Me Time”

“Me time” means something different for everyone. For busy mums, this might be taking 10 minutes to brush your teeth with the door locked. For others, it could be a weekend getaway with your friends or significant other. Whatever “me time” means to you, make sure you schedule it in!

By putting “me time” in the diary, like any other appointment, you’re less likely to overlook it because you were “just too busy,” and other people will be able to better respect your need for space.

Try little things like a mini pampering session, spending time outdoors, or curling up with a good book. Anything that makes you feel happy and content should be part of your daily routine.

If you find yourself needing a little self-love, our Amour Retreat Treat Box might be just the ticket. Enjoy our:

• Relaxing Restore Rollerball
• Body and Bath Wellbeing Oil
• Amour Eyes Self-Heating Eye Masks
• Green mint tea
• Rose quartz crystal and guided meditation tracks to help you refocus and take some time for yourself

This treat box is perfect for “me time” or as a wonderful self-care gift for anyone who needs a bit of TLC. 

I hope that you enjoyed those wellbeing tips and are able to put some of those into practice yourself. 

(MORE: Why Am I So Tired?)