“Self Care takes many forms but ultimately, it’s the process of looking after you.”

Self-Care takes many forms but ultimately, it’s the process of looking after you.

Born in the middle of a global pandemic, the Secret Essence Self Care Suite, brought us back to our original roots. We once again look to a more holistic approach at living, looking after ourselves from the inside out. Take time to appreciate who we are, what we are and what we can become. Nourish our souls, understand our thoughts, calm our minds and treat our bodies.

Knowing and doing more of what you love is the greatest act of self-care. This can be as superficial and simple as swapping high heels for slippers or delving a little deeper to discover what makes you tick! In my opinion, neither trumps the other as the end result can mean an equal gratification to different people. Self-Care is Self-Care and any act of self-care no matter how big or small is an achievement in this modern world.

In the rat race that is now simply known as “Adult Life”, it’s very easy get lost. We get sucked into the rat race and forget about the little things and the lovely things in life that we love to do and make us feel good. Things that help release the feel-good hormones (we all need more of these). We are always rushing to the next place, trying to meet deadlines, clock watching, following schedules, planning & trying to please others. Even mentally verbalising those words conjure certain feelings in me & make my heart pound in my chest. Did you feel it too?? It’s called stress!

Being forced to press pause has really made me re-evaluate everything. It has given me a chance to enjoy what I love to do without feeling guilty. (Guilty for choosing to look after myself - Was I insane???). Reading, writing, new little daily rituals, enjoying a bath instead of a quick shower, slipping into comfy pj’s and cosy slippers while watching a movie or spending time to cook a nice dinner, going for long muddy walks in the Castle with Bailey, doing a home facial, practising mindfulness, planting flowers and watching them grow, taking an online yoga class, faffing about the house, being creative and loosing myself in the process – oh how my life has changed, and if I’m honest, I’m not sure I want to give it all up. I am enjoying the slower pace of life and I can’t imagine going back to my old ways.

The Secret Essence Self Care Suite, is a space dedicated to you. It houses a collection of things I enjoy and wanted to share with you in the hope it might spark joy for you too. It’s time to let go of the rat race and let Self Care became the new race in adult life.

Here’s some of my favourite things that have helped me through lockdown.