Shelf care: looking after yourself in lockdown
November will be a difficult month, but during lockdown and in the run-up to a Christmas that will be hard to plan for, the one thing we can do is look after ourselves – mentally and physically. Self-care isn’t just about pampering your hair, face and body, it’s about activities and routines that help clear our minds, especially if you don’t find sitting still or wallowing in warm water very easy to do. We’ve put together our favourite shelf-care products that tap into your innate creativity, that help you find a ‘flow’ and offer relaxation benefits for your mind and body. To shop these products click on the titles or images.
Embrace holistic health and learn how to prepare natural health remedies with essential oils and pure foods. Neal’s Yard Remedies: Complete Wellness delivers a head to toe guide to self-care for every part of your body. The targeted instructions allow you to tap into the restorative powers of herbs and plants at home and understand how to apply therapeutic essential oils and herbal remedies to treat a raft of common ailments.
Bedtime Stories for Stressed out Adults
If you’re looking to calm your anxious mind before sleep, open up this cheering book of short tales, extracts and poems. From classic stories by Oscar Wilde, Guy de Maupassant and Katherine Mansfield, to tales of childhoods and poetry that reminds us of the simple joys of life, this lovingly curated book will comfort a tired mind and gently carry you to the peaceful land of sleep. So switch off, snuggle down and give yourself permission to escape.
As adults we often forget the joy of playing, so get out your colouring pens and get creative. Even if you don’t think you have it in you, we reckon you’ll surprise yourself when it comes to colouring in or making your own arts and crafts. These washable Crayola Supertips make thick or thin lines, so they’re ideal for little details and they give a smooth intense colour laydown.
The Mindfulness Colouring Book
Working with your hands is one of the best ways to keep anxiety and stress at bay. This beautiful pocket-sized colouring book offers a practical exercise in mindfulness that draws on your creativity and hones your focus. The Mindfulness Colouring Book is filled with templates of exquisite scenes and intricate, sophisticated patterns – prompting you to meditate on your artwork as you mindfully fill the pages with colour. Take a few minutes out of your day and colour your way to peace and calm.
The perfect match for colouring books or your own artwork. These pencils don’t need sharpening when the tips are worn down, simply twist the end of the barrel and you’re ready to go. We love these ten vibrant colours, great for bringing a bit of colour and joy to your everyday.
The Life-Changing Magic of Not Giving a F.ck
Sometimes we’re not sure if we need a hug or a bit of a shake and a wake up call. We love this book because it reminds us that there is a way to exist without being stressed out and living in a cycle of people-pleasing, instead of looking after ourselves. This irreverent and practical book explains how to rid yourself of unwanted obligations, shame, and guilt – and give your f**ks to people and things that make you happy. Unleash the power of not giving a f**k so you can spend your time, energy and money on the things that really matter.
Caroline Gardener Stay Positive Card
If you’re sending a self-care package to a friend or family member, look no further than this uplifting card. Let them know you are there for them, thinking of them and supporting them in these difficult times. The card is finished with luxurious gold foiling and teamed with a white envelope.
This has to be one of our favourite adult colouring books as it relaxes our minds and transports us to J.K. Rowling’s wizarding world. It gives us Harry Potter fans the chance to colour in vivid settings and characters, perfect for getting lost in during lunch breaks or just before bed.
Avenir Sewing Keychain Unicorn
Busy brains that find it hard to switch off will enjoy this sewing activity. Create your own unicorn keychain by following simple sewing instructions, or give it as a gift to a friend or a family member. Perfect for those that don’t know how to sew, but are looking for a new mindful activity to try.
For more self-care tips during lockdown, read our previous post here.