Self-Care: Five Ways to Look After Yourself

Self-care is the act of caring for yourself. Simple, right? However, for many of us, the practice is far from simple. We don't have the time. We don't have the money. We worry that others will think we are being selfish or lazy or indulgent. We feel guilty and think we are being selfish or lazy or indulgent.

But self-care is vitally important. As we approach the end of a year filled with stresses and anxieties and unknowns, we may be feeling drained, exhausted, despairing, burnt out, physically under the weather - just at the time that the days are getting shorter and Christmas is just around the corner!

Here at Green Heart Collective, we'd like to make self-care at this time just that little bit easier for you. Here are five ways in which we can help...

1. Getting your festive outfits sorted

How often do we leave our personal preparations for the festivities until we've done everything else and then are super stressed trying to find the perfect outfit? 

Here's our advice: check out what you already have and check if it still fits. Write a list of events and see how many outfits you need to see you through the Christmas period. Remember, it is OK to wear an outfit more than once and if that concerns you, you can always mix and match or accessorise in a different way for each occasion. Then check out our wide range of festive tops, trousers and dresses here. If you can't find anything, don't despair - look for us on Vinted and depop too. 

PS: buying preloved outfits saves you money which relieves stress and also is a great way to feel you are making a difference in this climate crisis we find ourselves in.

2. Make time for yoga (or other movement that works for you)

You may feel that you don't have time for exercise/movement/dance/yoga, but when you actually make time for it, you realise how important it is and how much better it makes you feel. 

Here's our advice: if you don't have time to go to a class outside of the home, then bring the class to you. There are great classes online - our favourite is still Yoga with Adriene. Preparing the space by rolling out a yoga mat and preparing yourself by changing into some gorgeous yoga wear really does prepare your mind for your practice. Check out our mats and yoga wear online.

3. Lose yourself in a good book

Collapsing in front of the TV always seems so attractive after a long day at work, but reading a good book can ultimately be far more regenerative.

Here's our advice: find a quiet spot to read a couple of chapters a night. This will transport you to a world far removed from your own tensions and stresses. Check out our wide range of preloved books in our bookstore.

PS: when you've read a good book, pass it on. Think carefully about who you think would really enjoy it and then gift it to them. Books are not made to sit on bookcases but are there to be read over and over and over again.

4. Discover the art of slow stitching

Again, you may feel you don't have time, but one of the joys of slow stitching is that there is no finished product to work towards.

Here's our advice: simply set aside ten minutes a day and see where that takes you. Slow stitching is a meditative process - you don't have to be able to sew, it's like doodling with a needle. We've prepared three kits with all that you need to get started - Summer Garden, Antique Linen and Modern Vintage Vibes.

PS: one of these kits would make a great present for someone who's looking for a simple, new skill to learn to unwind and lose themselves in.

5. Get outdoors 

We all know that fresh air is good for us, whatever the time of year. However, it's hard to get motivated to venture out in the cold, the dark, the damp etc! 

Here's our advice: well, not our words but in the words of Billy Connolly, 'There's no such thing as bad weather - only the wrong clothes'. So get kitted out in chunky jumpers, woolly hats and scarves, good coats - and go for it!  We have a great range of winter clothing in our Cosy Edit .

PS: When you buy preloved, you can get outdoors at a fraction of the cost and save your money for your winter adventures - and a hot chocolate with all the trimmings!

We hope that this article has inspired you to take care of yourself more in one way or another. We wish you all the very best in your endeavours and know this:

YOU ARE SO VERY WORTH IT.