With the current turmoils of British politics and a burning earth overtaking our headlines – coupled with the stresses of day-to-day life – self-care is in dire need. The pressures of 21st Century living haven’t gone unnoticed. And on today’s World Mental Health Day, we, along with the rest of the world, are fighting against the stigmas surrounding mental health.
A disease that hides in plain sight – one in four people are affected by Mental Health issues – takes the lives of many, and this year's theme of ‘Suicide Prevention’ shows that there needs to be more done to prevent the 800,000 suicides that happen every year. So where do we start?
The increased number of conversations around mental health has also sparked a focus on wellness. While we know deeper issues may not be solved by taking ten mins to relax, wellness techniques can help minimise the stress associated around it, and change your mindset for the better. Everyone can always benefit from some wellbeing techniques, so we asked the Because team some of their favourite ways to slow down and practise their quality ‘me’ time. Sit down, take a read and relax...
Lia Mappoura, Editorial Intern
"Recently, I discovered meditative beauty, and for me – a beauty enthusiast who can sometimes be a bit of an emotional stress pot – I couldn’t think of anything better than practicing ancient beauty rituals to manifest my inner desires. Taking 30 minutes for yourself before going to bed can really make a difference...
I often feel that if I take time to look good (implementing a solid morning and night skincare routine), I will feel good! And with my newly found favourites from The Beddha, the Rose Quartz Gua Sha Tool and the As A Flower Botanical Steam, learning to take some time to reconnect my mind with my body and soul has never come so naturally. Simply add a handful of the dried flowers into boiled water (not boiling!) and steam your face. Then using the Gua Sha, knead away fine lines, fatigue, stress and muscle tension. They make for the perfect ritual partners to unwind, relax and zone out."
Shop The Beddha meditative beauty products via thebeddha.com.
Carmen Bellot - Fashion Assistant
"I find the act of unwinding annoyingly difficult. I’m naturally a busy body that physically can’t sit still, and the very act of doing so often results in me anxiously trying to find a way of fidgetting. My body movements coalign with the sporadic movements of my thoughts, and due to the stressful nature of the job (it’s called fashun darling look it up) I’m trying to make the effort to slow down.
For me, diving into a great book is the best way to control my restless hands and to focus my thoughts. My latest endeavour was Haruki Murakami’s Killing Commendatore, a 700-page giant who threw me into a world of magical realism and out of the stresses of daily life. When you’re in need of getting some headspace, nothing is better than jumping into another literal reality."
Shop Killing Commendatore via waterstones.com.
Rosie Barton - Studio Manager
"When people say that you shouldn’t run away from your problems, I ignore that and not only do I run away from my problems but I also literally run away. I don’t need that kind of negativity in my life. Running is almost always the answer (although, not when you are hungover and sweating alcohol – I’ve learnt the hard way, treadmills and nausea are never going to end well at the best of times, let alone the worst of times). I run because it makes me feel like I’m going somewhere, and in a world full of knock backs sometimes you need to physically feel that forward momentum.
For the full ins and outs of the long found benefits of running for your mental clarity I would recommend Bella Mackie’s brilliant Jog On and leave you with the parting words “Run Forest, Run!” – shouted over my shoulder as I run away from you too."
Also on Because Magazine:
+ Looking for a little dose of art on your feed? Meet Rosanna Jones.
+ Refresh your coffee table rotation with these stylish reads.
+ In her second column, Chloe Isidora shares the principles of her first book.
