Do you take care of yourself? - Carol Aplin

[et_pb_section fb_built="1" _builder_version="3.22" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_row _builder_version="3.25" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"][et_pb_column type="4_4" _builder_version="3.25" custom_padding="|||" global_colors_info="{}" custom_padding__hover="|||"][et_pb_text _builder_version="4.6.3" background_size="initial" background_position="top_left" background_repeat="repeat" global_colors_info="{}"]If I asked you: ‘do you take care of yourself?’ the chances are you’d reply in the affirmative. You might even look perplexed and reply with a ‘what you on about? Of course I take care of myself.’ But then if I were to dig a little deeper and ask you ‘okay – how? In what ways do you take care of yourself?’ it could get trickier. What even is self-care anyway? This blog from psychology central on the topic of what self-care is and isn’t defines it like so: ‘Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately to look after our mental, emotional, and physical health. Although it’s a simple concept in theory, it’s something we very often overlook. Good self-care is key to improved mood and reduced anxiety. It’s also key to a good relationship with oneself and others.’ As for what it isn’t – that might be even more important to understand. For instance, it doesn’t mean doing something that we dislike doing – perhaps because we see it as good for us. As Agnes Wainman explained, self-care is ‘something that refuels us, rather than takes from us.’ So that’s a relief – I can stop feeling guilty about not going to the gym or pounding the pavements in running gear! Nor is self-care a selfish thing. Self-care summarised It’s about two things:

• It’s about considering our own needs
• And it’s about knowing what we have to do so we can take care of ourselves – and then – by extension others too.

'An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.' Unknown

Put another way – if you don’t look after yourself you can’t look after your loved ones. Caring for yourself is about balance. Physical, internal balance – and balance in the time we spend on people and on things. A Balanced Life - Inside and Out If we’re acknowledging that self-care is about a balanced life we must also acknowledge that achieving that could well be even more difficult in our current circumstances. So what can we do to help you – if only in a small way? Well, for this festive season we’ve partnered with Wiltshire company Pink&Green Skincare to produce a treat set for your gut and your hands, feet and body. Look after your body inside and out this winter and you’ll be well-placed to deal with what it throws at you. It’s more important than ever that we look after our mental and physical health. What’s more, science tells us that a diverse microbiome (lots of good bacteria in our gut in other words) will help to keep us happy and healthy. But hey – nothing beats a good pamper does it? So what better pairing is there than a Pink&Green duo of organic hand & foot scrub, and foot butter with a bottle of Bio-Live Women? At £45 for the set this represents excellent value we’re sure you’ll agree. This is a fantastic Christmas gift for someone you know that needs some support – or fuel for yourself! [/et_pb_text][et_pb_button button_url="https://microbz.co.uk/product/christmas-wellness-gift-for-her/" url_new_window="on" button_text="Shop yours today" _builder_version="4.6.3" _module_preset="default" global_colors_info="{}"][/et_pb_button][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]