5 soothing self-care ideas

With so much information floating around these days, even if you tried, the constant flow of ever-changing headlines is seemingly impossible to avoid.

Being constantly exposed to negative headlines can take its toll on our wellbeing. So, while we can't control the news itself, we can control how often we tune in, and how to handle it when we do.

Here are some of our top self-care tips to help you through tough times.

Relaxation: that little slice of heaven you find time for every so often that makes you feel happy, zen and in control. It looks different for everyone: for some, relaxing takes shape in the form of a bubble bath. For others, it may be getting their adrenaline pumping in the form of an at-home workout. Whether it's watching your favourite TV show for the 1000th time or listening to podcasts, find something that takes your mind elsewhere and helps your stress melt away.

With winter just around the corner, now could be a good time to take up a hobby to help you make the most of the shorter and darker days. You could try sketching, learning a language, scrapbooking - anything that you think you'd enjoy! Or how about reading that big pile of books by your nightstand? Now is a great time to get stuck in.

Whether it's in-person or virtually, connecting with friends and family can be a big mental health boost in these difficult times. Whether it's over coffee at a cute café on a Sunday morning or fizz on a Friday night Zoom call, your social calendar will be full in no time.

What might work for someone else, may not work for you. Some people may want to keep up with the latest news, while some may not want to look at it for a week - and that’s okay. Some people may want to get up at the crack of dawn, and others may want to press snooze for an hour. The point being, don’t beat yourself up over what others may be doing. Figure out what works for you, and run with it!

Amongst the uncertainties, take care of yourself by keeping your health at the top of your priority list. Eating as well as you can and exercising as often as possible keeps your physical health in check. However, it's just as important to look after your mental health by getting enough sleep, staying in touch with those you love and finding things to do to keep yourself busy. It's all about taking the time to practise self-care.