Empowering Women’s Wellness

Small changes and additions to your daily life can enhance your overall well-being. I’ve made conscious additions to my day to help improve my mental health during perimenopause and through my healing journey of post-natal depression.

Little rituals all add up. We have to start somewhere and baby steps is ok. We can’t all afford spa days or regular treats, but I believe we can find treasured glimmers and micro-moments of kindness to ourselves in the ordinary everyday. It is here where we can support ourselves, embrace our struggles and harness our inner power.

Bedtime face-time

Something that I now love doing after I’ve climbed into bed is taking off my makeup – I never thought I’d be saying this! I use to hate it and often skip it but then I decided it was an act of self-love and a lovely way that I can take care of myself before bed. I mindfully take it off gently and recognise that I am being gentlw with myself. I then give myself a little face massage with my rose moisturiser, breathing in its beautiful scent and enjoy the peace and quiet. I then move on to mosituring my hands with a little hand massage – better yet, if I can persuade my husband to do it for me then that’s serenity right there.

Find your happy place

Create a cosy corner or a tiny space of calm and joy in your home or garden as your personal sanctuary where you can escape for a few moments of “me time” whenever you need a recharge. A comfy place to read a read book, listen to some music, draw or knit – anything that reminds you of ‘you’ and feeds your soul. I have my keyboard in my room overlooking the beautiful countryside view with a lovely plant on my windowsill. My heart is happy when I sit on my orange chair, play some tunes and enjoy the view – especially the evening sunset. Often I only manage 5-10 minutes but it’s enough to recharge my spirit and clear my head.

Learn to love the laundry

Turning daily chores into feel-good tasks can really help to avoid feeling down from the monotony. I use to HATE doing the washing but I honestly now look forward to it! I make myself a coffee, or even a glass of prosecco on a weekend evening, and enter the utility with commitment to the task. I put my favourite play list on and remind myself that I am grateful to have this beautiful family and happy to do their washing as an act of service and love. The task has to be done so changing my mindset from boredom to gratitude has helped me no end.

Meaningful touch

During times of anxiety a nurturing touch can help calm the nervous system and stimulate oxytocin. Daily intentional hugs with loved ones where you don’t let go until they do can be hugely heart-warming. Ask your child or partner to brush or play with your hair, give you a massage (my kids do this for me – they love setting up a spa for mummy and have even experimented with hot stones by collecting pebbles out of the garden and warming them up on the radiators).

Inhale, exhale

Practicing mindful breathing during slower moments such as waiting for the kettle to boil, on the school run or in the bath or shower can turn everyday tasks into meditative moments that ground you in the present.

Soak and soothe

I could not cope without my bath. We had it redecorated last year so it could be a beautiful sanctuary for me and I just love it. We added a mirror with bluetooth speakers so we can listen to stories or music whilst languising in the bubbles. Adding some plants and pictures can make it extra inviting and I it’s the one room I keep tidy all the time. Bath toys packed away in the cupboard, surfaces clean and clear and a soft bath mat makes a difference. I love a hot bath of epsom or magnesium salts with rose or lavendar oils before bed. I gift for all the senses. warm bath with lavender can soothe the body and calm the mind, turning an everyday ritual into a self-care haven.

Turn up the music

Kitchen discos are a must for me! Singing and dancing releases endorphins instantly uplifting our mood. It’s a great way to inject some fun and playfulness into your life – invigorating the soul. It’s a lovely way to lighten the mood and bond with family members when things all feel a bit tense. I hate being the ‘stressed mum’ all the time so I make a conscious effort to Kitchen-disco with my kids.

Get it off your chest

Journalling can be a really productive tool for releasing negative energy and absorbing gratitude. I love Donna Ashworth’s ‘Words to live by – A Daily Journal’. Try a ‘line-a-day’ or keep a voice memo diary to help process emotions, remember glimmers or simply keep a record of the day. Honour your voice and own your feelings. You are wonderful, and you matter.

Get out in nature

Some daily time outside in the fresh air is vital for your health. Even a rainy walk will revitailise your senses and bring you into a state of moment-by-moment awareness. You will feel grounded and calmer after a walk in the countryside – drive there if you have to. Listen to the birds, observe the insects and stop look and listen. Embrace it all and let your feelings wash over you like a warm hug.

Affirmations

Daily affirmations are a great way to remind yourself that you are loved. I have some lovely mum affirmation cards that I keep on my coffee machine and turn one over each morning while I wait for my coffee. I then return to it several times in the day to remind myself of these powerful words. Today, as I write this, my affirmation is:

“I am supported by people who love me, even when they’re not with me.” Yesmum.

You deserve to feel empowered in your body and life transitions; remember, self-care isn’t a luxury, it’s your right. If you don’t invest in yourself, you cannot be your best self…