What self care is actually all about:

We all have that vision of self care which is us sitting in the bath in a low lit bathroom, maybe some candles while watching your favourite show sipping on a glass of wine? And we feel as though we have made up for a month or so of stress with an hour? I’m a firm believer that in order to live a happy life you need to incorporate self care into your everyday regime because self care is so much more than just having a luxury bath now and again.

It can literally be the smallest of things and the first, would have to be the people who you choose to have around you. At the end of the day if someone is just constantly giving you negative vibes get rid of them. It seems harsh but the fact is that they’re probably not that happy in the friendship either if that’s the way that they’re being with you. I mean if your friends aren’t mad about you, what’s even the point? I’m the type of friend that is completely obsessed with all my friends and just want the best for them always. Being around my friends I think is a sort of therapy for me, so just ensuring that I see my friends often is self care.

Okay next up is something that I’m trying to get better because letting this slip is the first step towards getting into a bad place mentally and that is of course appearance. My appearance is something that I struggle with a lot and to be frank, I probably always will. However I do notice that I feel my best when I look my best. I like to wear clothes that I adore and feel are flattering to my figure. I have this year started buying clothes that are maybe a bit pricer than I have previously spent however they will last me and I now buy fashion pieces less often. Getting treatments is also something I love whether it be lashes, eyebrows or facials all make me feel the best version of myself and happier. Nails are also a good one to get done however, I can’t for my guitar playing and also my job, but if you're in a place where you can get them done, go for it as my flatmate Joanna swears by the treatment.

So, this is definitely the hardest for me to fit into my schedule but going to the gym is so incredible for my mental health. I haven't been in a while as I have done some damage to my foot but as soon as I have recovered you can bet that I'll be right back. I know that going to the gym isn't always possible for a lot of people either financially, physically or mentally and I one-hundred percent understand and let me tell you there is no judgement here. Though, if you're someone like myself who gets anxious about going to the gym then PureGym might help you the way it has me. Once you join you are able to download the app which allows you to see a head count of the gym currently, this lets you gauge whether it is busy or not. If you're anxious about going to the gym then attending at quieter times could be the one for you.

Okay so hear me out, you're going to hate this one but let me speak. Drinking less works wonders. Drink more water and less alcohol and I promise you that you'll notice a difference. I'm not saying don't drink or don't consume alcohol ever and I can literally hear my friends screaming "hypocrite." But it's no secret that alcohol is a depressant so they day after besides your killing hangover you'll also feel more unhappy. Now, if you combine that with multiple times a week you're beginning to add up a lot of unhappiness. Once again I'll reiterate how much I completely understand what student culture is like and how easy it is to go out five days a week but all I am saying is that alcohol consumption, especially if you're already going through a difficult time is a thing to keep in mind. But it's also a very personal thing so only you can gauge. This is only based off of my personal experience of alcohol and how it can affect your mental health.

This last tip of self care that have for you will easily be the easiest one to add to your routine. Take some time to yourself at night! My schedule now consists of waking up, going to the gym, going to uni, possibly going to work if I am on the rota, chilling with my flatmates, studying then taking a couple of hours just for myself at night. And wow can I just say what a difference! I'm going to bed more relaxed after going for a bath, maybe a facemask and then I can read my book before watching whatever is interesting on Netflix at that time. This one might seem obvious to so many of you an you may already include much of this in your days but student culture can get in the way. From constantly going on nights out to sitting with your flatmates to ensuring that you meet those deadlines, taking time to yourself is just something I think we should all keep in mind.

If you guys have any tips for self care please let me know in the comment section!