Self-Care

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{Note - all of the images in this post are taken from my Quotes to Inspire Pinterest board - if you're in need of some motivational words about self-love, this is a great place to start!}

I've been feeling a bit lethargic and flat for the last couple of weeks, and I'm not entirely sure why.

I've got a few potential theories - maybe it's a flare of my CFS/ME {as weirdly I've had a flare in the spring for the last couple of years}, or worse, the black dog making his way back in to my life. Or maybe it's just the fact that the weather has been hotter recently, or that I've consumed far too many Easter eggs...

Whatever the reason, it's been a struggle at times to drag myself off the sofa, feeling an overwhelming urge to nap and go to bed for a snooze. I've been very disciplined for me and stopped myself from sleeping in the evenings {my friends and family will uphold the fact that I'm a bit of a nap monster}, and I've found that having a few 'self-care' options to choose from is enough to motivate me to do something other than doze.

I'm a big advocate of the terms 'self-care' and 'self-love', even though the latter can sound a bit naff. As the quote at the top of this post says, you can't pour from an empty cup. As we dash around in our busy lives, with numerous family, work and personal commitments, it's all too easy to put looking after ourselves at the very bottom of the list of priorities. While this might work for a while, before too long we face burnout.

Every single one of us is amazing; we're a fascinating collection of skin, bones, muscles and blood which somehow makes up a unique human being. We all have our own strengths and weaknesses, memories and values, but whatever they are, it doesn't diminish the fact that by simply living, we are a miracle. The least we can do is make sure we're nurturing these miracles of ours!

The charity Mind have some great suggestions for ways in which we can care for ourselves a bit better, including looking after physical health, but I've also got a list of things which work for me - hopefully you might find an option that works for you.

M A G G I E ' S   S E L F - C A R E   T E C H N I Q U E S 

Have a bubble bath {I know some of you hate baths, in which case, try a long, hot shower instead. I can also recommend opening the bathroom window before having a bath to make the room less unbearably steamy}

Catch up on one of your favourite boxsets - my go-to's are Gossip Girl, Desperate Housewives and, of course, Friends

Have a glass of cold white wine; obviously drinking heavily or relying on alcohol to get you through the hard times isn't advised, but for me a sip of Chablis or Picpoul de Pinet is guaranteed to make me relaxed and put a smile on my face

One of my bezzies suggested on my Insta Story a long country walk and cute coffee shop stop - I couldn't agree more! Each of these can do the world of good; breathing in some fresh air and stretching your legs, or treating yourself to a flat white and slice of cake - I've relied on these techniques heavily in the past, and will continue to do so

Read a book - curling up on the sofa with a paperback and hot drink is one of my favourite ways to unwind for half an hour

Light scented candles - St Eval Candle Company is one of the best. Opting for scents such as bergamot or lavender creates a beautifully relaxed environment - I've linked few of my most-loved below

Do some Pilates - or yoga, or swimming, or running. Whatever it is you enjoy. I personally like doing some Pilates in the comfort of my living room, with gentle music playing in the background as I stretch my aching muscles

Be social! Whether it's arranging to meet up with your friends in a coffee shop or bar, or just sending a WhatsApp to catch up with an old pal, having some contact as opposed to withdrawing can do wonders for your happiness

Power nap - yes, I know this goes against everything I've said above, but sometimes all your body needs is some recovery and recuperation. 20-40 minutes may be enough to refresh you and kickstart your motivation

Treat yourself - although my bank balance {and husband} might not endorse this, ordering yourself a little something online or popping into town to buy that pair of shoes you've been eyeing up is a great way of cheering yourself up. You don't have to go mad, and if your purse strings are pulled tight, why not visit a local charity shop and find a new book {see above} or DVD? Then you'll also be giving something back to a worthy cause, which will be another way of making you feel good. Win win!

If you have any self-love ideas, I'd love to hear them - leave me a comment or tweet me.