Recent events have had a dramatic impact on our day to day lives, and it’s safe to say that lockdown has left a lot of us feeling a little out of sorts. With this week being Mental Health Awareness Week, we thought there was no better time to talk about self care, and have put together a few ideas around nutrition, mindfulness and beauty that will help you feel good from the inside out.
Eat well
The change in routine has left many of us eating more of what we shouldn’t. However, the key to feeling good is eating well. Ensuring your diet features plenty of vitamins and nutrients can help boost immunity, give you glowing skin, and even keep health problems at bay.
Our regular Serenity Spa-goers will know that an Ozone smoothie is the perfect way to kickstart a spa day (or any day in fact!) So here’s a recipe for one of our delicious green juices that you can mix up at home.
Ozone Green Goddess Juice
Ingredients:
- 200ml of good quality apple juice
- 2 apples
- A 10cm-long chunk of cucumber
- Juice of half a lime
- A few mint leaves
Method:
- Peel and deseed the cucumber before chopping into small chunks.
- Peel and core the apples and chop up so they’re a similar size.
- Put the cucumber and apples in a blender along with the mint leaves and lime juice and blitz until smooth.
- Pour over ice and, if you’re feeling fancy, add a sprig of mint to garnish.
Chocolate mousse cake
While we should all be eating more of the good stuff, don’t be too hard on yourself. Life is all about balance, so if you’re in the mood for a couple of glasses of wine in the evening, then go for it. And, if lockdown has transformed you into a Star Baker, check out our head chef’s recipe for chocolate mousse cake – you won’t be disappointed.
Don’t forget to share your creations with us on Instagram using #seahamstories!
Indulge in a little pampering
Never underestimate the importance of a little ‘me time’. If you’re juggling homeschooling with working from home, have been spending time caring for others, or simply feel like you haven’t had a chance to focus on yourself, then take some time out to indulge in some pampering.
You may not be able to make it to a spa or pay a visit to your beautician, but there’s no reason why you can’t whip up a nourishing face mask or a skin-smoothing scrub using some basic ingredients at home.
Hydrating honey and oat scrub
This scrub is perfect for removing dead skin cells, softening skin, and helping to prevent breakouts.
- 100g granulated sugar
- 50ml olive oil
- 50g cup rolled oats
- 1 tbsp of honey
Mix all the ingredients together and smooth over wet skin. Follow with your favourite moisturiser for wonderfully soft and hydrated skin.
Brightening face mask
This face mask uses yoghurt to lift away surface skin cells to brighten and refresh your complexion.
- 1 tbsp thick Greek yoghurt
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp turmeric
Mix everything together before applying to clean dry skin. Leave a few minutes before rinsing to reveal beautifully smooth skin.
Practice mindfulness
Being confined to our homes and being unable to see friends and family can have a huge impact on our mental wellbeing. While we can try to fill our days with as many meaningful activities as possible, it’s likely that you’ve found yourself with more time on your hands than normal.
However, having a quiet day doesn’t necessarily mean you’ve taken time out to centre your thoughts, relax your mind, and feel content. In fact, you may even be feeling more stressed and anxious than ever.
Our hypnotherapy guru, Silvia, is well aware of the challenges that many of us are facing in lockdown. Her guided meditation sessions are here to help you feel calmer, more relaxed, and more focussed in a period that’s filled with uncertainties.
How to let go of frustration
Relaxation session
Mind calm session
If there’s one thing that recent events have taught us, it’s to be kind – whether that’s to ourselves or others. Keep an eye on our YouTube channel for all the latest mindfulness tutorials, recipes, beauty masterclasses and more, and let us treat you to the Seaham-inspired pampering you deserve until you can visit us again in person.