Self Care Challenge & Why We Love It
We have been very lucky and had the chance to work with two lovely Mum bloggers. If you have read our previous post you will know why we set the challenge. But the basics is that we want to shine a light on how important it is to look after yourself and take time to yourself. And one group of people who seem to really need this are mums. This why we set the challenge… And these are a few of our favourite moments from the Self Care Challenge:
Laura, Teandbiscuit_x “I think as mothers (and people in general actually) we are always rushing and thinking of what needs to be done next. Or if you are like me, doing half a job, getting distracted and starting another until you’ve 7 on the go …”
Rebecca, @sparklenest “As I’ve mentioned before, life is so busy and I know for me, can be constantly moving, from the moment I wake up to when I crash out at night – with pretty disturbed rest in between as my youngest son is currently teething, so our nights are very disturbed.”
Day 1. Almost everything will work again if you unplug for a few minutes… even you.
There is a reason people love tea. As well as the positive effects some teas can have on your body, it gives you a break.Your challenge today is to sit and really take a moment, whilst drinking your tea. No phone, no TV. Just sit and enjoy. We have included a few samples of our newest tea, to give you something
Image – Rebecca @Sparklenest
Day 2. You carry so much love in you heart. Give some to yourself – R.Z
Breathing deeply can help calm us, it increases oxygen to our brain.Take five minutes today to concentrate on your breathing. Breathe deeply in for the count of five (letting the breath fill your lungs). Then out for for five. Do this for five minutes. The best time is first thing in the morning, just after you get up. And just before you go lie down to go to bed.
Image Credit – Laura – @Teandbiscuits_x
Day 3. My body is a miracle and I am grateful for it. (Affirmation)
Take care of the surface. It is important to feel confident in yourself & look after the outside as well as the inside. Take 10 mins (at least, an hour would be even better) to look after the outside. If you have more time do other skin and hair care treats. Paint your nails and toes. Give your hair an intensive condition. Whatever makes you feel good.
Rebecca, Sparklenest -“The lovely hand massager is made from sustainable beech wood and is great for aching muscles. It’s lovely to have on my desk to reach for when I need a boost – and actually also brilliant to carry around the house with me and squeeze as a stress reliever. It’s just £3.50 from Home of Juniper.
Another thing I would recommend to look after your skin is an oat bath. Simply tie a handful of oats up in a muslin cloth, and pop into the bath. You can add dried botanicals if you have them too. When you squeeze the oat bag the water will be lovely and milky, and you can then use the bag as a really gentle exfoliator too.”
Day 4. In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks – John Muir
Nature is amazing. It can have a positive affect on mental and physical health, but all too often we are too busy to really enjoy it. Today your challenge is to go for a walk and really concentrate on what you see. And how the air feels on your ski. And the sounds you can hear. Take at least ten minutes to focus on what is around you as you walk.
Image Credit – Laura – @teandbiscuits_x
Rebecca – Sparklenest “Have you heard of ‘Shinrin Yoku’? It’s the Japanese art of ‘forest bathing’, or ‘nature therapy’. Researchers in Japan and South Korea have carried out studies that show that the act of walking in nature, especially amongst trees, reduces stress hormones and boosts the immune system.”
teandbiscuits_x “I didn’t actually manage this one today so am posting a #tbt to one from my every day in May adventures earlier in the year where I cycled 5 / 10km every day in aid of @dimblebycancerc, often at 5am. I can’t wait to do it again this year.
Today we have had an epic day with good friends so I don’t feel like I’ve failed the challenge and we have plans to get outside tomorrow”
Day 5. You owe yourself the love you so freely give to others.
Meditation is a wonderful way to take a moment to yourself and recharge. It is great for your mental health. But it sometimes harder than it sounds. It can be easier when you have something to focus on. So we have popped in a scented candle. Focus on the flame and nothing else. Empty your mind and think of nothing else. Do this for at least five minutes to help relax and re-focus.
Image Credit – Rebecca @Sparklenest
Day 6. Be kinder to yourself. And then let your kindness flood the world – Pema Chodron.
Read. A magazine, a book. Take 10 minutes to read something that you really love, or something new you have wanted to read for ages. It doesn’t matter if it is a magazine, a book or a blog. As long as it is something important to you.
Laura, Teandbiscuit_x “Today’s challenge is to read. So tonight I’ll be making some time for me and a book (or magazine or blog, books have a habit of making me fall asleep since becoming a mum ????) Have a lovely Saturday evening too”
Rebecca – @Sparklenest – “Before I had my children, reading was something I used to do a lot. I remember cosy weekend afternoons in front of the fire after a long walk, curled up and completely lost in a book. This is a thing of the past, but I really miss reading.”
Image Credit -Laura – Teandbiscuits_x
Day 7. The Earth laughs in flowers – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Take five minutes to garden. Flowers not only look lovely, they can also help your mental health. Gardening can help you focus on the moment and the beauty around you.
Teandbiscuits_x – “ I’ve really enjoyed this week’s #selfacrechallenge from @la.juniper. A little box of challenges to make me think about taking time for me – after all, you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
Rebecca – @Sparklenest – “A huge thank you for the lovely Home of Juniper for sending me the seven day self care challenge to try out. I have loved it, and it’s given me wonderful ideas of little things I can fit into each day to take a moment for myself. I hope this post series has helped you too”
Image Credit – Rebecca @Sparklenest
Re-reading how these lovely people have taken part in this challenge has really put a smile on my face. So has looking at their beautiful images. Both these bloggers have wonderful blogs and Instagram feeds that are well worth a follow. We would also love to challenge you all to this challenge too. And let us know how you get on.The 7 day challenge (like redacted) are on this blog post.
Furthermore, the bits we have sent with the challenges are all available on the site. We know the Cream Earl Grey Tea has gone down …
If you would like a challenge gift set please email us (they are not on the site yet ) Or if you would like to pick a mix of products to make your personalised Challenge gift set please let us know, [email protected].
#selfcarechallenge #selfcare #homeofjuniper #lajuniper
Such a good read and love the imagery too! Keep this up La Juniper!! X