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By Family Clean, November 19, 2019 12:00 am

How to practise self-care in small ways – yes, it’s possible!

There are lots of shiny objects sold to us as expensive forms of self-care – but the truth is that buying a $100 face cream isn’t the only way to be kind to yourself! So in this post we want to show you simple ways to refill your tank, even if you are busy with work, family and life in general.

Right now you might be wondering what house cleaning has to do with self-care? But this is a topic that comes up a lot for us, because hiring a cleaner gives you back precious time and that’s really an act of self-care (we think of it as buying happier time). 

Even having a cleaner pop by once a fortnight will give you a few hours that you deserve to use for yourself! 

Unfortunately many people think self-care is a one-off luxury like a spa day or night at a 5-star hotel, but there are lots of simple ways to take care of yourself and still keep the budget in order. And that’s important because a few moments of ‘me time’ here and there can help you feel more grounded. 

So here are some of ideas for integrating self-care in to your life in a way that works for you…

1. Brew a pot of tea

There is something so soothing about making tea using a beautiful pot and cups  – and it only takes a small snippet of time. Plus, a beautiful tea blend is a tasty (and healthy) treat that truly feels like an indulgence. 

Be present as you make the tea, pour a cup and enjoy each sip, and you’ll feel re-centred. Brew caffeine-free herbal tea before bed and delicious blends in the morning or with friends. 

Luxurious tea brands available around Brisbane include Mayde Tea and The Tea Centre. If you’re keen to try a tea ceremony, Ourana yoga studio hosts them for free on Tuesday mornings before work.

2. Plan an at-home retreat

What relaxes you most? Maybe it’s a long soak in the tub, a Netflix marathon or going to bed early. Make a list of things that make you feel relaxed and use this to plan a mini at-home retreat. Your retreat could be an evening, day or whole weekend where you stay in, switch off your phone and enjoy some rest and relaxation. 

You’ll thank yourself for doing a little advance planning, as you won’t need to leave your sanctuary for anything. Think about the foods you want to fill the fridge with, check that you have a stock of bath salts and account for any other supplies you may want to have on hand, like a face mask or a new book. 

These retreats can become regular rituals – you might set aside every Sunday night or a day every few months when you go off-grid and recharge. 

3. Head to a cafe

Many of us will regularly swing by a cafe to quickly pick up a coffee, but when was the last time you went to a cafe and really enjoyed the experience? 

Take a magazine to read, meet a friend for a long uninterrupted chat or pick a kid-friendly cafe where the kids can play while you catch a moment of peace. 

Coffee is another small indulgence and it can be really restorative when you take the time to slow down and really savour it.

4. Treat yourself to a small luxury 

A few months ago we wrote a post about small indulgences for homebodies, and we found so many beautiful things in our search including, tasty treats, art and homewares! The post was also really popular, so we thought we’d share it with you again here…

A small treat that you will cherish rather than throwing away is a gift that keeps on giving each time you use the item. Check out the list here!

5. See a show

Self-care is as much about the mind as it is physical pampering. Going to a quiet gallery, a hilarious show or a beautiful live music performance is a great way to let your mind wander and take in new ideas.

You may also be surprised how many free cultural events happen in Brisbane every week that you can take advantage of! Check out event guides like this one on The Weekend Edition, which allows you to filter by free events.

6. Set a daily reminder for self-care

Self-care can be anything from meditation to yoga or a walk outside. Developing new habits takes practice, and a daily reminder in your phone is a good way to remember to give yourself a few moments. 

There are apps for meditating (like Calm and Insight Timer) as well as free online yoga classes on YouTube that you can use to establish your daily self-care ritual. But what you do with your little moment of ‘me-time’ is up to you! 

It might be as simple as waking up 10 minutes early to read a book, have a quiet coffee or spend time in the garden. The idea is simply to find a slice of quiet in each day that is just for you.

7. Give back to the community

Volunteering may not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of self-care, but people who volunteer will always tell you that they get far more from it than they give. 

There is something about helping others that makes us feel uplifted and fulfilled, and it’s a great way to meet new people too. But what if you don’t have a lot of time on your hands? There are lots of one-off community events and fundraisers that you could consider volunteering for, and the best place to search is via Volunteering Queensland

Your good deed could also be taking a meal to an elderly neighbour or donating to a food drive. Even these small acts will make you feel more re-centred and content.

Reading this was an act of self-care in itself, and we hope you found ways to be kind to yourself. –  The Mother Ducks

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