Your most important relationship...

We’re all aware that Valentine’s Day is a time to celebrate those special people around us, but do you know what I think is significantly underrated? Celebrating the relationship we have with ourselves.

In aeroplane safety briefings, they always insist you fit your own oxygen mask first before helping others. At first, it may appear slightly selfish, but the truth is without your own oxygen supply in place, you’ll be incapacitated and unable to help those you love most. And the same can be said for life.

So here are my top tips for putting yourself first, strengthening your inner relationship and being the best version of you for your nearest and dearest.

- Write a gratitude journal -

I started this a few years ago and you wouldn’t believe that something so simple could have such a profound effect. We all lead busy lives with hectic schedules but taking a few moments each day to stop and observe all that you’re grateful for, puts everything into perspective.

It’s the first thing I do at my desk every morning and the positive energy sets me up for the day. Sometimes the things I write feel profound and grand and other times, I simply reflect on the little things that bring me the most joy.

I limit myself to just a paragraph so I know I can maintain the practice and if I ever need a boost, reading back through my entries does the trick in minutes.

- Create your own morning routine -

My fiancé used to say ‘win the morning, win the day’ as the alarm went off and I used to want to kick him out of bed as I rolled over and hit the snooze button. In all honesty though, he was spot on and since I’ve trained myself to become a fully-fledged member of the ‘morning person’ club, my life has got better and better.

Taking advantage of those early hours allows you to meet your own needs first before the rest of the world has risen and requires your attention. You can then be the best version of you with the capacity to help those around you to flourish too.

My morning routine now starts by waking up when the alarm goes off and immediately making the bed. If the rest of the day goes completely Pete Tong, you know you’ve got a beautiful space to clamber into and let it all go.

Next, I move my body and this bit will look different for everyone. I’m currently on a step challenge for February so I’m doing lots of walking, but you could do some yoga, a quick HIIT workout or jump on your Peloton…Even dancing in your pyjamas works wonders and gets the endorphins flowing!

Once that’s done, I make time for a SAVOURY breakfast…another game-changer. I have potentially the sweetest tooth in the world and keeping it in check is a full-time job. I recently stopped eating any form of sugar at breakfast though and can honestly say I’m now fully sustained until lunch. It’s these tiny tweaks that makes looking after ourselves that much easier.

I then shower, indulge in my Proactive Age Kit morning routine as it’s 5 minutes solely for me, pick an outfit that makes me feel great and I’m ready to tackle anything that comes my way.

- Break-up with your phone -

Although Valentines encourages the complete opposite of break-ups, this one is an exception to the rule! If you’re anything like me, your phone is probably just an extension of your arm…and I’m not proud of it!

The constant scrolling, self-comparison, emails and news updates can become totally overwhelming and take up a whole lot of headspace. I find scheduling a time to put it down and disconnect each evening is totally game-changing.

It allows you to take some time back to focus inwards so you can return to the world fully rested, recharged and ready to give it your best tomorrow 🥰

Self-care isn’t selfish, it’s essential. So make sure you take the time to protect your own happiness and well-being, by putting you at the very top of your to-do list 🥰

However you’re celebrating tomorrow please know I’m sending lots of love and positive energy your way.

Amy x