"Self-care is a journey never a destination, a bit like a river - it keeps on flowing and doesn’t stop."
Natalie is a healthy lifestyle blogger, her blog, Does It Work, is dedicated to sharing her quest to live a healthier, less toxic and more natural way of life. She shares her recommendations and experiences of products, treatments, and therapies that she's tried and tested. She is passionate about finding organic and natural alternatives to mainstream products that good for us and for the environment.
What does self-care mean to you?
To me Self care means taking a holistic look at your whole self to make sure all your needs are being met;
physically; exercise, sleep, healthy food and taking time for yourself, spiritually; being connected to your higher self through meditation mindfulness and healing,
emotionally; you are equally stimulated and fulfilled by your life, family, partner, work etc but also for me self care means also being connected to the Earth and the animals on it so using non-toxic, cruelty-free products that are kind to you, the planet and all beings on it.
Has your perception of self-care changed, particularly with the events of this year?
I feel all of the above have been emphasised more and I think more people are starting to wake up to the fact that we all need to make changes. I think many of us had more time to do the things we love like gardening, cooking, spending time with our children and partners. Life is precious and many people really starting appreciating their family, elders and their children more which is what life is really all about.
What are some of the misconceptions around self-care?
Self-care means different things to different people. Some women may enjoy a hot bubble bath with a face pack and some may like baking bread. For me self-care is about having some time for yourself to give yourself some headspace. You could be chopping vegetables but doing it mindfully, being in the moment, enjoying the process instead of rushing through it thinking about all the things you still need to do .
What are some of your favourite self-caring activities or affirmations?
My favourite self- care activity is having a hot bath and listening to a meditation. My favourite apps are buddhify and insight timer.
I also like to keep a strict sleep routine that I follow at least a couple of times a week. This involves my Himalayan salt lamps, essential oils and Viparita Karani (legs up the wall pose) I think most people have sleep problems because they forget to wind down before they go to bed. I need my sleep so a sleep routine is essential for me.
How do you make sure you’re regularly prioritising self-care?
I’m a full time blogger which I’m sure many people think is easy but it’s actually the busiest job I’ve ever had! Some people have teams of people and I am one person running the whole show! So I have to be extra careful I get self care especially as it includes a lot of screen time. I normally schedule my exercise routine in which works well, I eat very well but as I’m so busy I don’t cook as often as I would like but Buddha bowls can be your best friend on busy days! I try never to just watch tv - I tape programmes I want to watch so I’m not channel surfing for the sake of it. Also it is hard but limiting screen time after 9 works well too.
Why is it so important to keep going even when you’re feeling better in yourself?
Self-care is a journey never a destination, a bit like a river - it keeps on flowing and doesn’t stop. Looking after yourself is the biggest investment you will ever make and it’s a continuous journey. There is always something to work on either physically, mentally or spiritually. When you feel good everyone around you feels good too. Once you’ve made a change and feel better why would you ever stop!
Check out Natalie's blog www.doesitwork.tv
Instagram @natalie_shirlaw