1. Emotional and mental self-care

Let’s be honest, working all hours has its price. Putting work first can be necessary to achieve short term goals, but over time, not pausing to catch up with friends and family will take a toll on your emotional wellbeing.

Downtime with those we love and care about helps our emotional wellbeing. If the moment’s right, remember to share any worries you’re having - sometimes the act of simply saying it out loud can be all we need to offload any stress we’re feeling. However, for anyone suffering with mental health issues, doing so can be daunting.

Journalling is also a healthy way to let out emotions and frustrations. The act of writing is cathartic in so many ways, and getting words down on paper is a useful alternative to confiding in or sharing your frustrations with friends or your partner - and may even get you to a point where you feel comfortable speaking to someone.

2. Exercise

Get moving. It’s an old cliché, but as they say, ‘healthy body, healthy mind’ and there are biological reasons as to why this really is true.

Exercise is a powerful form of self-care. It increases endorphin (the “happy” hormone) production in the body, improving mood and positivity. Exercise also helps strengthen the immune system and increases energy, which is so important to beauty and hair pros who are constantly interacting with others and spending hours on their feet. For maximum benefit, try to devote at least 30 minutes a day (150 minutes a week) to some type of physical activity that increases your heart rate.

Activities like running, jogging, walking the dog and even walking up and down stairs all count and are great for getting those endorphins going. Yoga or Pilates exercises are a great way to develop relaxing breathing techniques and will help boost your core strength. What’s more, you can easily practise in your own home, and many places have local classes too, making them a great way to incorporate movement into your daily schedule.

Basic changes like spending more time outdoors can help you to reconnect to your natural environment and feel more ‘human’ again.

3. Financial self-care

Getting your finances in order and having a savings plan will help create stability and reduce stress, by reducing financial uncertainty in your life. Whatever your situation, there’s advice and help at hand. From debt advice to help with budgeting, getting in good shape financially could help you save and build for the future. Services like the Citizens Advice Bureau and apps like Snoop or Plum can help relieve the stress of managing monthly expenditure.

Tips from websites such as the Money Saving Expert are a godsend when trying to reduce monthly bills like broadband or car insurance and also let you know about the latest money saving deals on all sorts of products and services, helping you to stay ahead of the game.

Clearing underlying money worries will also have a huge impact on your mental and physical wellbeing, and can help improve your performance at work.

4. Practise mindfulness

Meditation practice doesn't need to be a long, drawn-out activity that requires loads of concentration or effort. Try spending just 10 to 15 minutes a day listening to the sounds of nature or reciting positive mantras. Do this at anytime of the day, in the morning, or at night before bed, but make sure you have 10 to 15 minutes of calm and quiet – without distractions - that you can incorporate into your daily schedule.

As you become more practised, you should notice an increase in calmness and control over your thoughts, helping you to feel more grounded, secure, and comfortable in your body. There are plenty of apps you can use to get in the zone, including Headspace and Calm.

Ellisons Thalia aroma diffuser is perfect for helping you to unwind and to relax the senses through aromatherapy.

5. Unplug

These days, we are constantly ‘available’ and connected by technology all day, so unplugging for periods of time has never been more important. Take a break from your phone (this includes from social media too!) for a set amount of time each day. This break will help to decrease feelings of ‘missing out’, stop the doom-scrolling and ultimately boost a sense of peace in your own mind. Studies show that constant scrolling and being plugged-in can harm relationships, foster feelings of jealousy and ruin interpersonal skills.

Most importantly, unplugging at least half an hour before bed is an essential self-care technique. The blue light emitted by our phones and computer screens can play havoc with our day-to-day circadian rhythms and can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. Why not try Kaeso’s frankincense oil on your temples or pillow just before bed, or experiment creating a relaxation playlist on Spotify.

8. Lean on your community

Working in a client facing role can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also feel overwhelming at times. Long hours, busy schedules and constantly looking after others can take its toll, which is why it’s so important to talk to someone when you need support. Whether it’s a colleague, friend, family member or someone you trust, opening up about how you’re feeling can make a real difference.

One of the most positive things about working in a salon or treatment space is the sense of connection and community it can create. Speaking to people who understand the challenges of your day-to-day work can help you feel supported, encouraged and less alone. From chatting with your team to attending events, training sessions or online groups, surrounding yourself with positive people can have a huge impact on your wellbeing.

Remember, you do not have to manage everything on your own. Taking time to check in with others, share experiences and support one another can help create a healthier, happier and more uplifting working environment for everyone.

9. Recharge outside, or try grounding techniques