CREATE SPECIAL ME-MOMENTS THIS CHRISTMAS

Finding things to laugh about is getting much harder as the Coronavirus situation drags on, but laughter is a natural stress buster, so we must try. Finding ways of making yourself chuckle is the ultimate form of self-care. Re-watch one of your favourite comedies or sitcom episodes or catch a comedian such as Trevor Noah on Youtube for a few belly laughs. Call a friend who always makes you smile.

If you’ve been cooped up with the same housemates or partner and kids for months, you’ll definitely need space to breathe. Being alone is a way of recharging your batteries and assess how you’re feeling. Set boundaries – make sure everyone knows you’re not to be disturbed for an hour or two and enjoy some delicious me-time – writing a journal, watching a movie, walking in nature, reading or listening to music you love.

Another way of spending quality time with yourself, is to enjoy a lovely bath with some delicious smelling products – a treat for all the senses – Dominika recommends a fresh pomegranate soap by Ringana. It contains pomegranate seed oil rich in antioxidants. It comes wrapped in a beige organic cotton hand towel – making it the ideal from me to me gift.

The fresh pomegranate bath oil is also pure luxury with sesame and macadamia nut oils considered to be excellent for relieving dry, chapped and sensitive skin.

Use the holiday time to step up your own skincare routine. Dominika recommends the fresh scrub which can be left on as a mask too for 10 minutes. The natural exfoliating grains stimulate circulation and restores your radiant, natural rosy look. It’s 100% micro-plastic free. Another interesting product is the fresh overnight face treatment – an award-winning Vitamin night care with a special ABC complex to firm the skin of the face, neck and cleavage overnight. It contains Vitamin A (retinal) and stimulates collagen synthesis and reduces the depth of wrinkles. The Vitamin C slows the ageing process by protecting against free radicals. Vitamin B boosts collagen and elastin production. Find out more about Ringana products.

YOU’RE INVITED TO A FREE SELF-CARE DATE

Want to find out more about Ringana self-care products – the company, the philosophy and how to set up a full self-care routine SIGN up for this self-care date on Tuesday, December 1^st at 8pm below.

Now is not the time to let it all go and stuff your face – as not only do you not want to be lardy by the time lockdown finally ends, but healthy eating also boosts our immune system and makes us feel better about ourselves.

Read our recent review with local nutritionist Oksana from Nutrition Right about how to stop stressing about food. Treat yourself to the odd take-away – there are many healthy options on our take-healthy options on our take-away during lockdown list.

If you’re feeling tired, fatigued and drained, don’t reach for the coffee as a pick-me-up during the afternoon slump. Try this natural shot with its fruity flavour by Ringana which contains bioactive, stimulating plant substances.

If you’re having trouble sleeping, improve your sleep hygiene by having a calming ritual, such as the luxury bath-time mentioned above, listen to music, read a book or write in your journal, rather than being on a screen for a few hours before going to bed.

To fully relax or calm down after a long day – you could also try a hot cup of isi , a vegan drink designed to help you sleep better.

Whatever exercise you can fit into your day – and walking to the fridge doesn’t count – is good.

Yoga has become even more popular during lockdown – as it is a great way to work out and to stretch muscles aching from being seated in front of a computer, but also because of its mind-calming benefits.   If you’d like to practice with Dominika, her next 90 minute yoga class is on December 5^th from 10-11.30am. Find out more and register here.

Set a reminder on your phone to take a deep breath at different points during your day. Yogic breathing practices are a safe and fast way to relieve stress, boost digestion, balance your energy, and improve sleep. Yoga breathing is very accessible, and you’ll feel results right from the first session. No experience of any kind is needed
Dominika offers a free 20-minute discovery session via video call or live, when possible.  Contact her for more info.

Self-care also includes looking after our mental health. In addition to a physical yoga practice and breathing, regular meditation has been proven to help us clear our minds and become calmer and more focused.

Don’t know where to start?  Check out Dominika’s profile on Insight timer, an app offering many free meditations.

Also read our article about how to handle anxiety in lockdown.

What are your favourite ways of self-pampering and creating special me-moments. Share your ideas with us in the comments below.

Want to find out more about Ringana self-care products – the company, the philosophy and how to set up a full self-care routine

SIGN up for this self-care date on Tuesday, December 1^st at 8pm below.