In this fast-paced world, we all feel we need more than 24 hours in a day. We try to be as productive as possible and often forget to take care of ourselves, even though that’s the most important thing for our health. Natalia Zvachova and Barbora Novomeska, founders of the concept Spokoy, share their tips on how to relax.
Satisfaction should be a priority and its success is hidden in our daily routines. Not always sophisticated or extraordinary, a ritual is any small activity that makes us feel balanced.
Natalie and Barbora's passion for beauty and lifestyle led them to the idea of starting Spokoy, which turned into a business. Spokoy is a company driven by their long-term friendship. During the pandemic, when everything moved from the public space into our private homes, the idea was born that to cope with challenging times, one needs to find pleasure in little things and turn their home into a place where they want to spend time and can relax.
The Spokoy concept is founded on the belief that it is the small moments that can make our day better. It's these small moments of joy, whether it's a facial massage and a morning cup of coffee, or lighting a candle while watching Netflix in the evening, that can help us feel better in our own skin. Since we often try to be as productive as possible and forget about the everyday little things, the idea is simple: to remind ourselves that we need to take care of ourselves and our health, too.
Spokoy therefore offers some ideas on how to take care of yourself inside and out while taking care of your mental balance.
That's easier said than done, right? The first step to taking care of ourselves is clearing our calendars. If you're like us, a blank calendar window scares you rather than fills you with relaxation. But that's exactly why we recommend consciously setting aside time just for yourself. You can do whatever you want with that time, and it will be available to you every week.
We all know the drill. The workload is not decreasing, despite the fact that we are working more and more, but on the contrary, it is increasing. With such intense stress at work, our bodies and our minds can become overwhelmed. This is often reflected in physical symptoms such as muscle pain or migraines. Muscles are often tense because of their use, stress and anxiety.
One technique to release both physical and mental tension at the same time is a facial massage. Feeling touch has been proven to reduce stress, boost the immune system, improve sleep, regulate digestion and help us relax.
Another element to consider is our environment when relaxing. If we are often exposed to stress or conflict in one environment, such as an office, that place will start to take on negative connotations over time. This means that we can't relax in that environment after some time, even if we are not currently in a stressful situation.
The atmosphere is therefore important. Everyone needs to find a place to relax where they feel safe and in tune with themselves.
Take the time to create the right home atmosphere. Turn off the lights. Put on a soothing Spotify playlist. And consider a little aromatherapy. Smell is a powerful sense that has the ability to calm and relax the mind.
The most effective way to get rid of stress is movement. Whether you prefer running, yoga, or the gym, in addition to the many health benefits for your body, movement also helps relax the mind. If the weather is nice, you can combine your favourite activity with being outdoors, which has even more beneficial relaxing effects. Find a moment every day for your favourite activity - even after a 15 minute walk you'll see the difference!
We all have that one colleague who, despite seeing our full calendar, expects us to help them with any additional activity they come to us with. And we often agree - after all, we want to look like we're in control.
However, it's important to remember that our refusal to help has nothing to do with our competence, but rather with our mental well-being. Therefore, before we take on the next task, we need to ask ourselves if it can be added to our schedule, or if it's already too much, and say no.
Self-care is a never-ending process. Savoring precious moments and small joys helps calm our minds and encourage us on days when we need to slow down. Routine is a guide; not a rule for perfection. Listen to your body, be kind to yourself, and give space to relax.
Everyone seeks a different form of relaxation. But seek it regularly! Your success will come from a daily routine where simple habits become part of your identity. Only in this way will you be able to continue to perform well and keep yourself in good mental shape despite these hectic times.
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