It’s fair to say that life has changed a little bit in recent months. While we may not be able to venture outside or get on with day-to-day life like we’re used to, there’s so much opportunity to get in tune with your mind, body, and soul while riding out this unprecedented situation.
Home is where the heart is. By adding a few cosy home comforts, you can transform your home into the perfect sanctuary in which to relax, unwind, and take five. We’re with you every step of the way, so we’ve rounded up some of our favourite ways to keep yourself stimulated – physically, mentally, and spiritually.
Expand your MIND
First things first; switch off the TV, put down your phone and step away from technology for at least an hour a day. We know – what else is there to do, right? But taking short breaks each day to focus on other wholesome activities will do wonders for your mental health. Now that self-isolation is the ‘new norm’, it’s a great idea to fill your days with things that make you feel good.
Get crafty
Why not try some easy lockdown crafts? Stylist has some wonderful ideas that you can try out yourself. Our favourite is how to learn modern calligraphy at home – a beautiful skill that will transform your handwriting into something special. Or there’s a novice watercolour kit and book, perfect for beginners who wish to improve their artistic talents.
Become star baker
One of our favourite pastimes is to bake some tasty treats. Whether you’re looking to produce something Mary Berry would be proud of, or just want a simple recipe that the kids will enjoy, BBC Good Food has a wealth of tempting bakes you can try out yourself. Who cares if you’re eating a few more calories than usual? (We won’t tell…)
Baking is an incredibly therapeutic pastime that will distract your mind from any negative thoughts.
Baking is an incredibly therapeutic pastime that will distract your mind from any negative thoughts. And who can beat the delicious smell of freshly baked goodies straight out of the oven?
Lose yourself in a good book
Nothing clears the mind better than getting lost in a brilliant read. We have a collection of must-have titles from top authors in fashion, interior design, architecture, DIY, and photography. As well as offering practical advice, each book features pages of beautiful images to give you inspiration. And once you’re done, you can place your book on your tabletop to add style, elegance, and sophistication to your home.
Chill out with a movie marathon
When you just need to sit back and chill out, find a new TV boxset or film to hunker down to. Don’t feel guilty about taking some time out to do little else but watch what’s on the small screen. We’re all in a completely new situation and you need to deal with it in the way that feels right to you.
Heal your BODY
It’s all-too-easy to neglect your body. While it can be tricky with the restrictions to give it the love it needs right now, there are still plenty of activities you can do to make your body feel calm, relaxed, and ready to take on the day.
Get your daily exercise
If you’re anything like us, you’ll be finding it hard to exercise right now. It’s just too much effort. But trust us – being active, even for 20 minutes, will make you feel SO much better. Discover a new route in your local area, or follow your nose and see where you end up.
If you can’t face going outside or are self-isolating and need to stay indoors, head on over to YouTube. Here you’ll find loads of easy indoor workout videos that you can do from the comfort of your living room. Let those endorphins flow through your body – you’ll thank yourself afterwards.
Allow yourself to wind down
After you’ve got your heart rate pumping and have started to cool down, turn your home into a cosy haven where you can unwind and give your body some peace.
Scented candles and home fragrances are well-known for emitting a soothing ambience that will send you off into relaxation. Different fragrances have different health benefits too and can have an incredible impact on your physical well-being.
Use a luxurious plush knit throw and an array of cushions to snuggle into when you’re ready to switch off from the world.
And, of course, to finish off your beautiful home space, it’s important to get as comfortable as you can. Use a luxurious plush knit throw and an array of cushions to snuggle into when you’re ready to switch off from the world. Scatter them over your sofa, lay them on your bed, or throw them into a big heap onto the floor and dive right in. Ah, bliss…
Feed your SOUL
If you’re stressed, tired, or just feeling a little dejected, it’s time to nourish your soul. These ideas should hopefully help:
Fill your home with indoor plants
Surrounding yourself with indoor plants offers many health benefits. Having plants inside the home can purify indoor air by absorbing toxins. They produce oxygen and increase humidity, making the atmosphere around you cleaner and healthier.
Indoor plants are also excellent mood-boosters. They can increase productivity, concentration, and creativity – all the things that keep your soul happy. If you need a little pick-me-up, explore our range of flowerpots and plant containers to brighten up your indoor space while making a statement inside your home.
And breathe…
It’s too easy to get caught up in social media hysteria and daily news updates. This only serves to invite chaos and anxiety into the soul. To combat these negative feelings, take five minutes to practice some simple, controlled breathing techniques each day. Not only will meditation help to clear your headspace, but it will invite good thoughts into your mind and soul, setting you up for the day ahead.
- Find a peaceful spot to sit comfortably with a straight back, take a few slow deep breaths in and out through your nose.
- Relax your body. Notice the shape it is taking and be aware of the sensations you are experiencing. Release any areas of tension while focusing on your breathing.
- Feel the natural flow of your breath. Don’t overthink it – just keep a natural rhythm while tuning into the areas where you can feel your breath coming in and going out.
- Be aware of your wandering mind. At this point, your thoughts may start to drift. Re-focus your thoughts back to your breath to give your mind time to recover.
- Sit like this for five minutes – or longer if you feel you need it. Keep the focus on your breath, sitting in silence and relaxation.
- Notice your body once again. Allow yourself to be aware of how you’re sitting and how it feels. After a few moments, gently emerge from your meditation. Allow yourself a few minutes to adjust after opening your eyes.
We hope you keep yourselves safe during these tough times. If any of these tips and techniques helped you, we’d love to hear your stories. Please reach out to us via email and social media, or leave a comment below.
