Pampering is an effective method of self-care, involving a list of activities and pastimes that leave those partaking feeling rejuvenated and refreshed. There are many ways to make it happen and settings to enjoy it in.
In 2019, records were broken for people off work due to stress, and it’s hard to imagine things have improved after the pandemic and the rising cost of living. It’s now common for people to lead hectic lifestyles. Unfortunately, this also means many will find it difficult to make time for themselves.
Because of all the doom and gloom, something like pampering might be more important than ever before. By today’s standards, it’s no longer a luxury but a necessity. The ability to unwind must be taken seriously. Once people are centred within themselves, they’re better equipped to help put the world to rights too!
Therefore, it’s worth asking; how can you make time to pamper yourself? We’ve provided some ideas down below.
Don’t Stress on Schedule
The whole idea of pampering is to de-stress. If you’re getting agitated about potentially missing a session or two, then you’re likely to be undermining your efforts.
Routine is helpful with something like pampering, but as with all things, it’s not the end of the world if you need to reschedule. Always pencil these efforts into your calendar rather than underline them in ink. Remember, you can always move things around at a later time or date to compensate. Few things in life should be set in stone, and pampering is not one of them.
It might be helpful to go to sleep and wake up earlier too. That way, you have more hours in your day to make things work. You’ll also be much more inclined to enjoy the rejuvenating aspects of the pampering if you’re fresh-faced as well. Never underestimate what a good night’s sleep can do for your health, mind and soul.
Pampering can be spontaneous and casual too. It doesn’t exclusively need to be a formal occasion where you’re booked into some high-quality service. Give yourself a manicure or ask your spouse or partner for a massage – it all makes a difference!
Take Advantage of Duality
Resist the urge to compartmentalise your time. If you do some creative thinking, you can usually find a way to kill two birds with one stone, especially when pampering.
Not many people will think much of booking a regular dentist appointment in London. However, with Covent Garden Dental Spa, patients can pamper themselves in a massage chair during a complimentary 15 minute de-stress session. The service also offers hypnotherapy and acupuncture to ensure their patients are comfortable and relaxed. All the staff are kind and friendly too, further aiding your ability to relax.
It’s worth noting that businesses of all shapes, sizes, and sectors are doubling down on customer needs and mental well-being concerns. Spa experiences can be found in unlikely places as well, from dentists to shopping centres. Do some research to see which areas near you provide some added pampering goodness, and you’ll find it easier to give this part of your life more attention.
You can also marry your interests in other ways. Interests such as reading and watching TV can be paired together with many pampering activities quite easily. Scented candles can be lit and strategically placed, the aroma helping you recall your blissful moments of pampering. Be flexible with your time and try to develop an affinity for some lightweight multitasking.
Think About Your Party
Pampering can be a group activity. This can be both a good thing and a bad thing.
For example, if your posse is comprised of unreliable members, you may feel that your pampering experiences are never reaching their utmost potential. If your loved ones quit, you might feel that little bit more tempted to do the same. This is especially true if you prefer not to be trapped in your own company for too long.
Of course, it’s quite common for people to end friendships with people who cancel gatherings too often. Your place on the spectrum might vary, but one thing must be for certain; no one should have the power to undercut your pampering goals. Partake with your most cherished and reliable loved ones, or if necessary, fly solo. Nothing should come between you and these objectives!
Perspective is a fine thing, and it’s worth deliberating on how you’re influenced and who by. If quitters surround you, it’s probably going to have an adverse effect on your self-care regimens altogether.
Find Support in Other Ways
If your pampering posse has been unreliable so far and your schedule is admittedly a little trickier to manage, try not to worry. Your loved ones may be able to help you in other ways.
For instance, your spouse or partner may be willing to take some household chores off your hands while you enjoy some pampering. If your kids are responsible and old enough, perhaps they could chip in too? Colleagues may be willing to swap shifts, and superiors might be willing to let you do some flexible working so that you can adjust your ‘me time’ as needed.
Of course, you may be expected to return favours in such scenarios. Try to be open to such things so long as requests are reasonable. Swapping shifts, for example, is likely to be a recurring circumstance.
Pampering isn’t superficial – it can be something that’s really needed as a coping mechanism for today. Still, misconceptions around it could still exist in some corners. The more serious side of things may be worth mentioning if you have difficulty convincing anyone to throw you a bone. Once they recognise how positively influential these experiences can be, they may be more likely to get onboard.
Conclusion
Everything from your mindset to your actions matters greatly when you’re making time to pamper yourself. The most challenging aspect is remaining positive and proactive before the pampering has taken place, not just during or afterwards. Be creative and flexible with your time, surround yourself with positive influences, and ask for help when you need it. After that, your self-care regimen should be much more doable.