Why there's more to self-care than bubble baths and candles (even if they are Jo Malone)

Women are guilty of neglecting their own needs and putting others first. Whether caring for children or elderly parents, supporting a partner or friend, or meeting the demands of work, we are pulled in so many different directions. It can be really challenging to find time for self-care, but recognising its importance and prioritising our needs and well-being is crucial.

Neglecting self-care can have a detrimental effect on our physical, emotional, and mental health. It can also impact our relationships with others, making it more difficult to be present and engaged. I know this because I see it regularly with women in my nutrition clinic, I'd say 95% of those who come to see me do not prioritise self-care. And it's usually the women who are more driven, and more determined to push their businesses forward - no matter what - who end up suffering the most.

When constantly putting the needs of others first, we open ourselves up to increased stress, which can ultimately lead to burnout.

A regular routine of self-care positively affects our well-being in so many ways. We are better able to handle stress, manage our emotions, and maintain healthy relationships. It helps to boost our self-esteem and increase our resilience. It enables us to better handle the demands of daily life, resulting in improved overall health and well-being - physical, mental and emotional.

So, how can we do this, how can we ensure we take time - every single day - to replenish our spirit and fill our cup?

Here are my 3 essential steps to self-care...

1 - Schedule self-care time:

Schedule time every single day for you. Treat it like an appointment. Even if it's just taking 10 minutes to sit outside with your favourite coffee with no phone or interruptions, you will feel the benefit.

2 - Set boundaries:

This can be a really challenging one, but it’s essential in order to prioritise your own needs. Setting boundaries means establishing the limits of what is acceptable, safe, and reasonable for you. Establishing clear boundaries and communicating them, lets others know how you would like to be treated, and what is and what is not acceptable.

3 - Learn to say NO:

Related to setting boundaries, learn to say no to commitments that don’t align with your values or goals. Saying no can be hard, but it’s an essential part of self-care. And remember, no is a full sentence, you do not need to explain why.

Now, go plan some self-care in that diary, think about your boundaries and say no when it's not right for you.

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Donna is a registered nutritional therapist and founder of The Nourish + Flourish Box Ltd

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Nutrition Clinic

I specialise in helping busy, high-achieving women take back control of their health and prepare them for a happy, healthy menopause. Bespoke 1:1 programmes from ￡450. More info on my website -?www.donnapetersnutrition.co.uk

The Nourish + Flourish Box

The ultimate monthly subscription box for busy women, to help them build self-care into their busy lives with ease.

How does it work?

Part 1 - The Nourish + Flourish Box

Our luxury women's well-being subscription boxes are delivered to your door every month. Each box contains a thoughtfully curated selection of between 4 - 6 items chosen to help you have a better menopause by supporting key areas of women's health and building some essential self-care into your daily routine.

They include a selection of -

• Premium food supplements/vitamins
• Luxury self-care and beauty products
• Beautiful stationery items, including planners/journals
• Health/self-development books
• Healthy drinks/snacks

Part 2 - The Female Health Hub

Because we know that self-care is more than 'bubble baths and candles' we also have our private, online women's health membership. It's like having your own personal nutritionist 'in your pocket' that helps you know what foods to choose to support your health as a woman - yes, that means taking our lady hormones into account.

The Health Hub includes -

• Food Plans (specific topics include hormone balancing, gut health, good mood food and skin health)
• Healthy recipes that are quick and easy to make
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