Ideas + Inspo For Some All-Important Me Time
Oh wow, the world is a whole lotta crazy at the moment [and has been for a while now TBH!], so it’s more important than ever to prioritise our physical, emotional and mental health. One simple way to do that is to carve out some time in the day for some self-care. So we’ve whipped up a list of ideas and inspo to help you do just that AND we’ve also got our awesome Mind + Body Hub.
1 :: Float away
Floats – in tanks, pods or pools – are THE latest thing and we are biiiig fans. However you choose to float, it’s the ultimate way to switch off all the senses – and even that monkey mind quietens down after a while. Head to the pods at Glam Bowral and the magnesium baths at City Cave for max relax time.
2 :: Relaxing massage
A delicious massage with all the yummy smelling oils, stones and creams – yeah baby! – how good is a massage for a bit of de-stressing? Allymac Massage Therapy offers a gorge selection of massage options including remedial, relaxation, pregnancy, oncology, lymphatic drainage and myofascial release. Here’s a list of other local beauty salons, day spas and wellness centres to book yourself into.
3 :: Fresh new do
There’s something spesh about treating yourself to a cut, colour, blow dry [or all of the above!] at a local hair salon. Siva Beauty and Hair is a good place to start – check out their own range of products while you’re there. And fellas, we can’t forget about you. Head to a local barber shop for a cut, some de-fuzzing and an old school shave.
4 :: Stretch and strengthen
We’re always up for getting bendy at a local yoga studio, here’s some to check out. And as we all know, keeping your core strong is super important – it impacts your balance, how you walk, and your overall strength. The Highlands has some awesome Pilates classes and instructors to choose from. Studio Pilates Bowral is great for a strengthening sesh in a luxe environment with super helpful and friendly instructors.
5 :: Face up
Put your best face forward by booking an appointment with a local beauty salon and skin care specialist like Victoria’s Natural Beauty. Not only does she have an incredible range of facial options tailored to your skin’s needs, there’s also an ice bath and sauna on site so you can get the whole body involved. Treat yourself to some fab new products to help continue the self-care at home with a night time skin care ritual. Feels soooo good to go to bed with a fresh face.
6 :: Quiet time
We have some very cool places to zen out in the Highlands – here’s some of our suggestions. And lots of our wonderful yoga and wellbeing practitioners have meditation as part of the classes they offer. Oh, and if you fancy moving around while you meditate, here’s our article on when we did some dancing under the full moon – sooo cool!
7 :: Back to nature
One of the most effective ways to take some time out for yourself is to get back to nature and get outdoors. Head here for loads of info on local bikes, rides and adventures.
8 :: Get those endorphins going
There is plenty of research to back up the link between physical health and feeling strong mentally and emotionally. That’s why sometimes heading to the gym and sweatin’ it out is an awesome way to show your body you love it. Here’s some local gyms, trainers and studios to get you started! Simply Fitness Moss Vale have classes like Barre, Strengthening, TRX suspension training, Cardio and even Personal Training if you wanna take it a little further.
9 :: The Man Walk
These guys don’t walk the talk, they talk the walk! The Man Walk runs in Bowral and Bundanoon and is a great way to get the fellas chatting and taking some healthy time out for themselves.
10 :: Catch-up with friends
How good does it feel to catch up with friends and just shoot the breeze? Grab the gang for end of week cocktails, book a table for a lovely long lunch or check out this list of ideas for catching up with mates.
11 :: Food for thought
Feeding and nourishing your body with the right stuff is an act of self-care and your guts will love ya for it! Check in with a local nutritionist, buy local organic produce like the delicious cheese, milk and yoghurt from Highland Organics. Head to Raw and Wild Market to stock up on fresh and organic produce and perhaps even a nommy brekkie or lunch whilst you’re there. And here’s where to get some super healthy fermented food locally, too.
12 :: Movie night
Shutting the door on the outside world for a while can have a huge impact on your stress levels. How do WE shut the door on the outside world? Netflix and chill [literally, not the other meaning!]. Bunker down with some takeaway from a local biz and a bottle of wine or two from a local cellar door. We’re relaxed just thinking about it!
13 :: Get proactive about your health
Prioritising your health is sooooo important! When was the last time you had a check-up? A proper one?? Get in touch with your local doctor and health professional, and book in a women’s or men’s health check, skin cancer check, boob examination, get your bloods done, cholesterol checked….. all the stuff that is going to give you peace of mind and put you on the front foot in the unlikely situation you find something, right?
14 :: Take a load off
Ever thought about out-sourcing? If you’ve got a super busy life and struggle with the juggle, outsource things like cleaning, gardening, or book a local tradie to come and sort out that problem you’ve been meaning to get to. And how about a declutter – get in touch with Downsize & Organise a professional and sensitive home organisation service in the Highlands.
15 :: Books and tea!
Quiet time with your head in a book and a cuppa in your hand is definitely self-care [and one of our favourite things to do]. Grab a gorgeous book from a local book vendor, light a fire and curl up on a couch – bliss!
16 :: Organise a trip – or better yet, a staycation
Sometimes, the best way to recharge is to hit pause and escape somewhere peaceful, and you don’t even have to leave town to do it! At Sage Manor in Bowral, mornings are slow, the surroundings are calm, and there’s no pressure to do anything but unwind. With wellness retreats running throughout the year, it’s the perfect spot to switch off and reset. They also run weekly yoga classes. Now that’s self-care done right!
17 :: Make mental health a priority
Mental health matters because it shapes how we feel, think, and handle life. We care for our physical health, so it’s just as important to look after our mental health. Journalling is a great way to support emotional wellness. Drop by Bespoke Letterpress to pick up a stunning notebook and pen to get started. The Highlands has Mental Health practitioners, including psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, and support groups, ready to provide support. And if you or anyone you know needs help, don’t hesitate to reach out to Lifeline on 131114. Their crisis line is open 24/7 to talk.
Anything you guys would add to the list? We’d love to hear about your own self care rituals! Or just work your way through this list – you’ll be like a super zenned out floppy noodle if you do.
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