When you think about self-care, what do you think of? Face masks, candles and baths? Of course – self-care can be about tending to the body in a gentle and loving way. 

But it’s not just about the body. As we say at Unfabled, self-care means tending to our body & mind in a loving, soothing, holistic way. Self-care means tending to the mind with the same level of attention as we tend to the body. 

Here are some of our favourite tips to care for the mind throughout the cycle: 

1. Cycle tracking. 

As we build a connection with our cycle, we can start to see patterns in our mood. For example it’s common that in the luteal phase, before ovulation, people experience a dip in mood. If we are aware of this, we can be mindful to pay particular care of ourselves during this time. 

2. Manage stress. 

Feeling constantly under pressure isn’t good for mental health and can make us feel overwhelmed. Finding ways to take the pressure off and give ourselves a breather is so important. Stress is the number one factor for aggravating difficult menstrual symptoms as it interferes with our hormones and can deregulate our cycle.

3. Sleep. 

Sleep gives us the energy to cope better with whatever comes our way each month. When we’re tired our emotional resilience is lower, and life can feel overwhelming. Don’t sacrifice on sleep, and if you’re feeling worn out don’t forget about the good old power nap. Napping does not make us lazy, napping gives us strength.

4. Build time to relax into our schedules.

 In our modern lives it can be hard to disconnect from everything. A calendar full of social engagements, a phone that notifies us incessantly with work emails or flash sales or weather updates. It takes effort to relax! It means consciously deciding to leave the phone somewhere else, or to carve out an hour to have a long soak. As you plan your days, weeks and months, think about relaxation time as an activity that needs scheduling.

5. Ecotherapy.

 Spending time in nature, otherwise known as ecotherapy, can improve both mental and physical wellbeing. Being outside and feeling connected to our natural habit can reduce feelings of stress and anger. It can improve our mood, and help us relax. Whatever the weather, we love taking a brisk stroll every day to refresh us and connect us with our environment. 

6. Mindfulness. 

Practising mindfulness can help us manage unwanted thoughts and reduce stress. It helps us connect with ourselves and allow us to see our thoughts, and not get swept up in them. We are huge fans of Headspace – just 5 minutes with a guided mindfulness meditation from the app helps us to feel much more calm. We recommend finding 5 minutes every day throughout the month to practise mindfulness. It helps us become more self-aware and in-tune with how we are feeling, which in turn means we can care for ourselves accordingly.