As we head into the new year, many will be taking the time to reflect on 2024, and will be setting goals and resolutions for the new year ahead. Something that has come up time and time again at Karen Millen is the need to slow down and take the time to indulge in some well deserved self care. Avoiding burnout, setting time aside to be present and in the moment, and treating yourself to some “me time” is just as valid of a resolution as the usual resolutions of “work out more” or “say yes to more experiences”.
We reached out to real KM customers through our broadcast channel on Instagram to ask what you do for self care in your day-to-day lives, in hopes to inspire readers to try new self care activities and take the time to treat yourself through the cold winter months.
Read on for self care inspiration from real Karen Millen customers, for real people with busy lives.
Beauty and Skincare
One of the most popular self care practices in our broadcast channel was skincare. From “making sure my skin is clean every single night before bed” to “gua sha every evening”, you definitely know how to take care of your skin.
Skincare, however, is certainly a minefield. Gone are the days of a simple cleanse, tone, and moisturise skincare routine. Nowadays, there are thousands of products and even more recommendations and opinions to scroll through. Our advice? Keep it simple and don’t overwhelm yourself. Indulge in a new product or two, like a gua sha for reusable self care that forces you to slow down and relax, to essential oils for an indulgent bath, to a cleansing face mask for low-key, easy relaxation.
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After a stressful day I take a shower before bed
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Bath with essential oils, bath bomb, and candles
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Gua sha each evening
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Skincare every morning and night always makes me feel better
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Regular facials
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Lots of moisturising
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Massaging scalp and hair with coconut oil
Rest and Relaxation
Sticking with the slow paced, laid back approach to self care, some KM customers find proper rest and relaxation is the way to properly care for themselves. By making sleep a priority, especially if you’re guilty of reading just one more chapter or watching just one more episode (like us) you are certain to feel an improvement in your energy in the long term.
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Prioritise sleep and stay active
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I love making time to nap
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Naps are a must
Hobbies and Exercise
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, many of our KM broadcast readers find hobbies and exercise is the best way to care for themselves and their mental health. From running with a jogging group, to yoga, to long walks in nature, exercise is the perfect way to ensure you’re still getting outside in the long winter months and moving your body. Hobbies can of course be anything, from playing instruments, to snuggling up with a book. If you find that you currently are not enjoying a hobby, why not make it a priority to try new things in the new year? Pick up a crochet hook or try a new recipe. Push yourself to try new things, even from the comfort of your home.
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I run 4 times a week with my running group
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Yoga, journal, meditate, weight training
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Long walks in nature and ballet classes
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Getting outside in nature
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Lots of walks with my dogs
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Reading books, playing piano
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Keep moving, and eating healthy
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Go for walks, eat healthy food, make sure skin is clean before bed
Meditation and Mindfulness
The final self care tips fall under the category of meditation and mindfulness. This is the sort of thing that gets brushed off by many, stating meditation “doesn’t work” or that it’s a waste of time. We are here to tell you that if meditation is a skill to learn, not something that you can instantly do - so stick at it! It has many benefits, like calming anxiety, and helping you to get to sleep, so it’s definitely worth a try.
Be more mindful by prioritising yourself and your boundaries, journaling, or practicing gratitude. The mental health benefits speak for themselves, and you get to steal some time to yourself.
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Breathing exercises and watching something funny
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Meditation and deep breathing
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Learn how to say no without feeling guilty, make yourself a priority
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Practice gratitude, eating healthy, taking long walks, drinking lots
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Thirty minutes to an hour a day spent on affirmations, reading, meditation, and exercise
