The 5 things you need to do for yourself right now

Do you know how important it is to take time out for yourself? ‘Me time’ may sound self-indulgent but we are here to tell you it is not. Taking the time to do things just for you can help you psychologically, which in turn can improve other areas of your life, so we’ve outlined the 5 things you need to do for yourself right now.

A study by Dr Almuth McDowall at the University of Birkbeck said: ‘If people take time out to recharge their batteries and experience the time taken out as high quality, this reaps benefits for their own psychological wellbeing, their family relationships and for their employers, as they are more likely to perform better at work.’

Now you have the proof, make a space in your diary for yourself this week and check out our ideas for inspirational quality ‘me time’.

Try somewhere new

Wander into the nearest town and go to a café you’ve not been before, treat yourself and have what you want without worrying about the calories. Have a hot chocolate and that huge slice of chocolate cake.

Don’t let any intrusive thoughts enter your head; don’t think about the washing, the food shopping or the bills. Look out of the window or at the people around you and just watch them. Not in a creepy way, but just relax and be aware of what’s going on around you. You could make up their life story in your head. What are they like? What is their house like? You could even end up writing a novel about your characters if you are inspired. JK Rowling created Harry Potter on a train. You could write the next big hit in a café with cake. Now there’s a novel idea.

Have a massage

A massage is the ultimate way to relax and unwind; you can’t help but be totally and utterly chilled.

There are many different types of massages out there, but a favourite of ours is the lava shell massage. Beautiful, tiger-striped clam shells are heated with special sachets, which are inserted into the shell with an activator liquid that keep the shells warm for up to two hours. The therapist will then press the shells onto key parts of your body to soothe all of your worries away.

Check out the goodspaguide.co.uk to find a spa near you.

Go for a wander

Pop on your trainers and get out into the fresh air, take some deep breaths and just let your feet guide you. Wander down streets you have not explored, follow a river further than you ever have before, go to a wood and listen to the birds chirping all around you and take notice of the leaves and twigs crunching beneath your feet. Appreciate the sights and sounds, the colours and people. Say hello to people you meet and feel happy you are out in the world.

Pamper yourself

You don’t even have to leave the house for this one. Dig out that face pack at the back of your bathroom cabinet, run the bubbliest bath ever, light some candles, get in and have a moment of bliss. A glass of champagne is an indulgent added touch, chocolate dipped strawberries even more so. Nothing beats a soothing bath to soak away grime and daily life for a pure moment of ‘me time’.

Immerse yourself in a book

We all have that one book that we have meant to read forever but have never quite got around to it. Now is your chance, if you’ve got the book you want, sit down and start it. If not get to a bookstore and grab it right now! Even if you only get the chance to read a couple of chapters, really immerse yourself in it, enjoy it and feel yourself being transported. As Stephen King said: ‘Books are a uniquely portable magic.’