At Ground, we are on a mission to promote health and wellbeing with the practice of self-care. A revered moment in time, to care for our body and our minds. To return to the source, spending time to renew, replenish and restore. To find harmony within ourselves and to fill our cup so that we can pour from it for others. 

The last year has caused untold damage to physical, mental and emotional health through excessive levels of feeling overwhelmed, stress, loneliness, upheaval and worry. As a result, it's more important than ever to deliberately and intentionally take care of ourselves. 

Building a self-care routine and implementing it in your daily life can be done simply and be really effective if we are consistent. True self-care is grounded in regular daily activities, however brief, that make you feel good and focus your mind. 

Try experimenting with different approaches based on your needs until you find the one that works for you.

Here are some simple ideas to get you started on a care plan:

Movement. It might seem like an obvious one but put time aside to get your body and mind moving. You'll feel all the better for it. Focus on an activity you enjoy and not the length of time you do it. If you want to do restorative yoga or go for a walk every day, but you can only manage 10 minutes, that's fine. Something is always better than nothing, and a few minutes every day will make the habit stick. 

Time in nature. Immersing yourself in the woods, by the sea, and in green space. Regular engagement with nature has a range of long-term benefits, like supporting your immune system, regulating sleep and boosting creativity.

Run a warm bath. If you have a bath in your house, take the time to enjoy one of the best forms of self-care; a soothing soak in the tub. Baths have been proven to rejuvenate and invigorate tired bodies, boost circulation, detox and stimulate the immune system, and relieve stress while lifting your mood. Take a look at our collection of 100% natural bath salts infused with botanical ingredients that help to soothe and restore your mental health and physical health at any time of day. 

Practice saying 'no'. Manage stress and break the habit of always saying 'yes', by putting yourself first. If you don't look after yourself mentally and respect your own time, you're more likely to feel fatigued, overstretched and anxious. Saying no doesn't mean you're selfish; it means you're protecting yourself and your energy levels so that when you need to give more to others, you can. 

Do five minutes of breath-work, morning and evening. Put some time aside every day (or multiple times a day) to take a full, deep breath through your nose and into your abdomen. Notice the sensation of the air flowing in. Breath in slowly and evenly, hold your breath for two to three seconds, and then let go. Take a pause, and then repeat for another three rounds. Don't focus on how deep or long each breath is, but how your body feels in the moment. Breathing deeply with intention can calm the body and mind, reduce stress and tension, lower your blood pressure, and promote a feeling of wellbeing, among many other benefits. Combine with face and body oils to double the effect of essential oils.

Try daily affirmations. Research shows self-affirmations decrease health-deteriorating stress in the body, change negative thought patterns into positive ones, improve focus and concentration, and boost self-confidence. Put aside three to five minutes every morning and evening to self-affirm. Here are some of our favourites; I am letting go of all that no longer serves me. Good things are still to come. I am healthy; I am worthy; I am loved. Repeat ten times. 

The most important thing to remember, no matter what approach you decide to take, is that your self-care routine is for you and no one else. Even the smallest of gestures towards yourself can promote balance and reduce stress. Tailor your routine precisely to you and your needs, and you will reap the benefits.