Little Step No. 13
What to do:
Before you get out of bed in the morning, decide on a daily treat.
Why this step works:
This little tip was shared with me recently* and I instantly loved the idea of it; I'm sharing it with you because I think it is perfect for us all right now.
‘Before you get out of bed in the morning, decide on a daily treat.’
This little step is all about self-care, because that’s where the seeds of good health are first sown. Looking after yourself doesn’t always have to be in the form of a green smoothie or a daily jog, it can be many different things. It's about consistently giving yourself the same level of care, kindness and attention that you would give to a good friend.
“If the past year has taught us anything, it has taught us the power of self-care in difficult times”
Neals Yard**
The idea of 'the daily treat' is to choose something each morning that you will really look forward to that day. And you can’t get out of bed until you’ve decided what that will be! It can be big or small; from lighting an aromatherapy candle to relax that evening, listening to a favourite podcast with a few squares of your favourite chocolate or a walk with a friend, to finishing work early or treating yourself to that coat you've been saving up for.
The first time I tried this tip, I woke with my mind characteristically buzzing around the day’s jobs; I then remembered ‘the daily treat’ idea and shifted my focus to that instead. I chose a relaxing bath before bed with some new bath salts. What I noticed instantly was how much clearer and more relaxed my mind felt when I shifted my focus and started my day in this way. This then filtered through my morning, afternoon and evening too. How remarkable.
It seems that on top of the benefits of actually doing something you really enjoy each day, making a priority of deciding what this will be before you even get out of bed has the potential to set the tone for your entire day. Why not try it and see how you feel?
Hope you enjoy your daily treat x
* I had the pleasure of interviewing nutritional therapist and psychotherapist Joanna Oates recently for an article on supporting mental health during lockdown and she shared this great tip that I think is perfect for right now. Thank you Joanna x
**This lovely quote came from the Neals Yard Winter Heroes Catalogue as did the lovely bath salts. Thank you Francine x