3 Mindful Relaxation ideas for Mental Wellbeing

 

 We are in our third lock down, it's been a real struggle to continue to feel motivated and think of new ways that I can be creative, the world has been a very different place and I've tried not to mention the current situation but, how can I when it has become a recent way of life.  So how do I support myself while still keeping my mental and physical health in tact.

Essential oils & Diffuser 

Recently I discovered essential oils and how they can help to enhance my mood, emotions and feelings. Essential oils can be used if different ways, that's consist of aromatic use, topical use and internal use. My preferred options is currently aromatic use as this allows me to connect more with my emotions and mental wellbeing. 

I've noticed that certain scents have a calming effect on my mind I feel a sense of relaxation. My routine has consisted of using a few drops of essential oils in a diffusers before I go to bed, normally I set the diffuser while I shower so the aromas can be inhaled as I enter the room,  this helps set the mood creating a relaxation of the mind, soul and emotions for my meditation practice and has helped to enhance better sleep habits. 

ASAKUKI 300ml Aromatherapy Oil Diffuser

KESOVI 400ml Essential Oils Diffuser Ultrasonic

Sunrise clock radio 

I'm an early riser and few years I've suffered with seasonal effective disorder (SAD) which has had a dramatic effect on my motivation to be productive during the winter. It's been such a struggled to get out of bed and start my day, I purchased a sunrise clock radio and this had transformed my daily routine dramatically. The clock works by simulating a sunshine gradually 30 minutes before your alarm. Depending on the brand there are many features and sounds that can help to create a ambience helping you to arise and feel refreshed. 

FITFORT Alarm Clock Wake Up Light-Sunrise/Sunset Simulation Table Bedside Lamp

Alarm Clock Wake Up Light- Light Alarm Clock with Sunrise/Sunset Simulation Dual

Mediation

Mediation does allow you to reset your throughs and relax the mind and body. There is almost a mediation practice for every situation the process of being mindful whether you choose small movements during guided mediation or finding a comfortable place to relax and drift away can bring a sense of calm. 

https://www.headspace.com

Creating a Capsule Wardrobe

Capsule styling is something I've been doing for a few years and I've found it so effective when  it comes to styling pieces that I totally forgot I own. Typically speaking for me the rules are endless as I enjoy playing around with my  style, colours and textures depending on my lifestyle and the changing  seasons.

Why I find capsule living easier

I tend to work with around 45 items of clothing and shoes excluding bags and  accessories, this is because I wear very little jewellery and own a small selection of handbags, The way this works is to organise first by taking out any items that are seasonal  and place them in storage containers or somewhere where you can access them at any time, then try organising your closet by colour and not type, this way not only does it look more streamlined but, it has a polished feeling and its easier to select an effective colour pallet. Normally my capsule wardrobe will run for 2 months, however I will swap out a few items that may not be working due to the weather or lifestyle changes.

Take a couple of hours to really think about your style and how practical each item is with your lifestyle, this way you can build your wardrobe on items that you know you will wear you may find it helpful take into consideration any social or family events.

Its really important to have fun and be creative, capsule styling can be difficult to get right especially if your a beginner but, it really can be an effect way to spend less time thinking about what to wear and more time enjoying and exploring life.

How I spend less money buying fashion Items to transition into Autumn

Boots forever 21 (old), Grey top Marks & Spencer's £17.50, Next Jeans £28, Neckless River Island (old), Black contrast bag Next £26

With the temperature becoming colder we all seem to be  finding ourselves deciding what to wear and how to make the transition from our summer wardrobe into Autumn.

Investment and strategy are the Key words

For this particular season one of the things I normally always go by is quality is better quantity,
so here is why?

You will often find that Autumn and Winter season clothing seems to be a little more expensive. Depending on fabric and style and of course the need to layer on more items, can normally mean you going down to the city mall to try on endless clothes to find the pieces that work well with your personal style. Having a strategic way to shop for such items, can be very helpful and allows you to buy only what is required. Getting used to asking yourself question such as-  how practical is the item? Can it be styled in many different ways? I'm I getting value for my money?

 Being a working mother I'm often running around after my children, so I know that anything I wear needs to work with my day to day activities.

My top tips

Shoes

Always make sure you invest well into a pair of boots, as these you will wear almost everyday and they will go through many vigorous weather conditions. The better the quality the longer they will last and, sustain the weather making them more cost effective over the years. I would suggest purchasing boots that are very basic in design with a classic look, this will mean that you can bring them out year after year without them looking dated and you won't need to worry about staying on trend.

My Autumn/Winter boots collection has grown slightly over the years currently consisting of 2 knee high flat boots (which I've had for 4 years) , 1 winter snow boots and 2 heeled ankle boots.  Having a variety is good as this gives you more styling options and, can take your outfits from day into night.

Always remember your collection can be built over time, so no need to go out and make a massive spurge all in one go.

Clothing Tops & Knits
The best ways to transitions your summer wardrobe and to save money is to invest in some light knit cardigan's, these are great for adding texture and colour, and a good all round layering piece for example you can wear a camisole top, layer that with a basic long or short sleeved tee and then layer the cardigan on top.  I personally do this every year and, it works because it means I can spend less money purchasing many different items.

Generally speaking I tend to save my bigger splurges for chunky knitwear to avoid bobbling and colour fades after washes. Again the key here is to stick to simple styles and colours, adding one or two bolder colours for a fresh look.
Washing your clothes with a washing detergent that is delicate and formulated for knitwear will also keep them looking fresher for longer, I current use Woolite fabric wash, but most supermarkets will stock there own brands which can be a little cheaper.

Outerwear/coats
When choosing coats or jackets for Autumn/Winter I would recommend going a size up to compensate for the fact that we are adding those extra layers. Faux leather, Faux fur, suede, tweed and the classic trench coat are great pieces that can work well as the weather gets cooler. Try to stick to basic designs and colours, however within your collection there is nothing wrong with having a few experimentally items  that can be useful and can help to make an outfit more relevant and playful.

Accessories

A great way to add a pop of colour using scarfs, bags or hats, if you are like me and hate the feeling of the wind on your legs while wearing a dress or skirt them some tights for those cooler nights will help to keep you warm, try going for those thicker fabrics 60 denier or above as these will last all through the Autumn and Winter. Some stores have tights with a thermal lining, these normally will last longer as the material is more durable they are a little more on the expensive side but, trust me I haven't brought a new pair of tights in 2 years.