After a sunny summer filled with copious plans, it’s likely you’re feeling the post-summer burnout and are very ready for a couple of months of downtime before the chaos of the Christmas festivities begin.
October is a month for change. From changing weather, to changing clothes, to changing habits. From spending every Friday night sunning yourself in a beer garden to soaking in a bubble bath filled to the brim, it’s official - self-care season is upon us.
The phrase ‘self-care’ has been thrown around so frequently in recent years, it feels as though it’s lost some of its meaning. Yes, self-care can mean a glass of wine on the sofa watching your favourite movie, but self-care is also the practice of mindfulness and doesn’t just mean giving in to your every whim.
We’re wanting to reclaim the phrase and take self-care back to its roots. That means focusing on activities that are beneficial for your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing. In this blog we’re going to share our top 4 recommendations for truly indulging in self-care this autumn, in a way that really counts.
Getting Enough Sleep
Sleep, although something we do every single night, isn’t something we think about when we consider our self-care activities. We think of sleep as something that just happens, something that has to be done.
However, establishing a better sleep schedule supports the brain’s functions beyond battling fatigue, such as memory, focus, emotional regulation, as well as improving physical health, boosting the immune system, repairing tissue, and reducing the risk of chronic conditions such as heart disease and diabetes.
Adequate sleep is essential for maintaining physical and mental well-being, and that’s why it should be top of your list for assessing your self-care habits this autumn.
Here’s how to begin improving your sleep cycle:
1. Create a relaxing bedtime routine: Ensuring you’re winding down for the evening rather than doing anything that disrupts the body’s natural urge for rest. This could be having a warm bath before getting ready for bed in a dimly lit, quiet and cool bedroom setting.
2. Avoid stimulants and limit alcohol intake: Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and evening, as it's a stimulant that can interfere with sleep. Likewise, while it may initially make you feel sleepy, alcohol disrupts sleep later in the night, so it's best to limit consumption.
3. Be active: Regular physical activity can help to improve sleep quality, but ensure you’re done with strenuous exercise near to the time you intend to get some shut eye.
4. It’s also key to make sure you’re using your bed for sleep, avoiding the urge to watch TV or scroll, to create a mental association between your bed and rest.
Perfecting a Hygiene Routine - And Maintaining It
During the colder, wetter months it’s certainly more appealing to snooze your alarm once or twice for an extra 30 minutes of sleep rather than spending that time getting ready for the day. We’ve all been there.
However, a regular, consistent hygiene routine is key for maintaining good mental and physical wellbeing - in fact, it’s arguably the most important form of self-care.
We suggest waking up at the same time every morning (and sticking to it) and following the same routine from waking up to leaving the house to ensure you’re keeping yourself clean, smelling fresh and physically healthy.
Especially as the cold weather can be harsh on our skin, it’s important to find the right hygiene products for you - right down to the deodorant you wear.
We suggest natural products to avoid irritating the skin, such as Natural Soaps followed by a Post-Bath Moisturiser to lock in hydration and promote soft, healthy skin.
Keeping a Consistent Exercise Plan
Self-care often means doing the things we don’t always want to do. Especially during autumn and winter, let’s be honest - we’d much rather sit on the sofa and binge-watch our favourite show than spend time at the gym. We also know, however, that regular exercise is one of the main promoters of good mental and physical health.
Whatever your preferred exercise: walking, weights, pilates, running - create a consistent exercise plan that keeps you energised, focused and above all, healthy.
Try not to think of exercise as a chore that needs to be completed, but a fun activity that boosts endorphins, gives you routine and challenges you to work hard and push yourself. Whether it’s a 40 minute exercise class or an hours walk, use that time to quieten your mind from the days worries and tasks, giving yourself a break to focus on the here and now.
To keep yourself motivated, track results with fitness apps or combine your exercise routine with socialising and catch up with a friend whilst going for a jog or yoga class. Physical activity is what you make it.
Eating Well
As mentioned above, self-care means sometimes sacrificing our wants and urges in the pursuit of actually caring for ones-self. That also means being conscious of the food we consume.
That’s not to say that we can’t indulge here and there. A little bit of cake or pizza never hurts, but ensuring everything is consumed in moderation warrants a healthy, balanced lifestyle.
A balanced diet provides the nutrients, vitamins, and minerals your brain needs for optimal function, impacting mood, concentration, and overall psychological wellbeing.
With so much information surrounding food it can be hard to know what ‘eating well’ really means. Although we don’t claim to be experts, ensuring you’re eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and healthy fats, along with drinking a sufficient amount of water and avoiding regular consumption of foods high in salt, sugar, and saturated fats - feels like a good place to start.
Self-care season is upon us, remember to look after yourself, relax, reset and follow the above for a fool-proof guide to becoming the best version of you this autumn and beyond.
Share your self-care Sento moments with us on Instagram @sentobathing 🧴🫧
