When you've spent years putting everyone else first, "self-care" can start to feel like one more thing on the to-do list. We asked Georgie, from our Customer Experience team, and Bryony, our Head of Customer Strategy & Retention, what actually survives their busiest, most chaotic days and what they'd say to someone who feels like there's no version of self-care that fits their life.
Georgie, Customer Experience Manager
Between work and everything else going on, what's the one wellness habit that survives even on your most chaotic days?
Making my bed! This sounds crazy to label as a wellness habit but for me it sets up my day and happens even if I am running late. I would also say that my supplements have become part of my non-negotiable daily routine as well, no matter how busy I am. I put Her Cycle and Bio-Cultures on my kitchen side before I go to bed for the next day, which reminds me to take them. My unflavoured Collagen Glow also sits in a tin next to my coffee and is consumed religiously.
How do you protect a bit of time or energy for yourself when everything else is competing for it?
I absolutely love a gym class followed by a swim in the evening - I book this a week ahead and they are an essential no matter how busy I am. This means at least 3 times a week I can put down my phone and laptop and switch off for 2 hours of an evening. This has definitely been helping me sleep a lot better too!
What's the smallest version of self-care you've tried that's genuinely made a difference - something that takes minutes, not hours?
20 minutes of reading on my commute every day. It used to be so easy for me to use the time to open my emails and reply to some Teams messages, but reading a good book is the best way to start my day.
What would you say to someone who feels like there's no version of self-care that fits their life?
It is so easy to fall into the trap of trying to meet the standards of what everyone else is doing on social media, but who actually has time to start the day at 4am with coffee, yoga, meditation, a nice walk and journalling... not me, that's for sure! Everyone's schedules are different, and it's about finding the best form of self-care that works for you. Whether this is something you do for a few minutes a day, or a couple of times a week, pick your ideal and dedicate the time to this, make it non-negotiable.
In one sentence - what do you want people to remember?
"It is never one-size fits all!"
Her go-to resource: "The biggest tool you have is your support system - before you turn to social media or Google, reach out to your friends and family. They are your cheerleaders and the best people to lean on."
Bryony, Head of Customer Strategy & Retention
Between work and everything else going on, what's the one wellness habit that survives even on your most chaotic days?
10,000 steps a day is a favourite for me, I feel sluggish and antsy if I don't get outside for a decent walk. On office days I squeeze it in with my commute and lunchtime walks; on home days, walking my toddler to nursery and a walk in the fields near my house at lunch gets me up to my target!
How do you protect a bit of time or energy for yourself when everything else is competing for it?
Boundaries, routine and a great support network are the key things to protect my peace as a full-time working mum. Boundaries help me focus on the task at hand, whether that's being present for my son or for my work. Focus on one thing at a time, putting my phone or laptop away. Routine means I can plan ahead, know what days or times I might be able to squeeze some time in for myself. My support network (my husband!) taking an equal part of the load means I have time to refill my cup.
What's the smallest version of self-care you've tried that's genuinely made a difference - something that takes minutes, not hours?
Using the reminders app on iPhone for reminders of when to take my supplements. I have a couple of reminders a day, one at 8am to take my CoQ10 and one at 8pm to take my Magnesium a few hours before bed. It's made a huge difference to my sleep!
What would you say to someone who feels like there's no version of self-care that fits their life?
You can't do it all, so focus on what matters to you at this point in time. I love the Four Burners Theory - your life is a stove with four burners: family, friends, health and work. You need to turn down a burner if you want enough energy for the others. Being brutally honest, since having my toddler my friends' burner has been on low, and that's okay because life ebbs and flows. That burner burned white hot for the whole of my 20s!
In one sentence - what do you want people to remember?
"Find what fits around what your life already looks like, don't try and change your life."
Her go-to resources: Books: Four Thousand Weeks by Oliver Burkeman, Why We Eat by Andrew Jenkinson, Ultra-Processed People by Chris van Tulleken.
Podcast: The Wellness Scoop with Ella Mills & Rhiannon Lambert.
