It’s finally Sunday. You’ve had a very long and stressful week, you’ve met all your KPIs, managed to make it to the gym 3/5 mornings, completed most of your life admin (although bundling your super is still somewhere on the to do list) and now it’s time to just relax. But for some reason, you can’t. You’re thinking about what else you can do to increase those productivity levels (you’ve always wanted to learn a second language, after all) because you feel, well, lazy for just lying on the couch.
And before we continue, we’re not saying that it’s okay to spend every weekend in front of the telly Netflix binge (although, how tempting does that sound?). What we’re saying is that every now and then, it’s okay to give yourself permission to do absolutely nothing–whatever that ‘nothing’ means to you–because as it turns out, it’s actually good for your health.
“I truly believe a rested body is a healthy body,” says nutritionist and healthy living advocate, Jessica Sepel of JSHealth. “More than that, studies show that sleep and rest are essential building blocks of the body and mind: you learn better if you take a nap after studying, and retain more information long term. You become stronger and leaner more quickly if you periodise your training (taking rest days, and easy weeks), and you avoid the dreaded corporate ‘skinny-fat’ figure that is driven by cortisol and relentless effort.”
“Pushing your body into overdrive will manifest physically through tight neck and shoulders and usually digestive malfunctions such as, gas, bloating, acid reflux and all the symptoms attendant on an imbalance of good and bad gut flora. A stressed body cannot digest food properly.”
“We all are dominated by our sympathetic nervous systems (that’s the ‘fight or flight’ response) and we hardly activate our parasympathetic nervous system (which is in charge of your rest and repair).”
We as a society are notorious for adding extra stresses to our already stressed out life. “It’s this constant need to do something,” adds Jessica: “I need to run for an hour today after work, I need to see this friend and that friend, I have a to-do list that is never ending, the weekend is here—I have so much to do!”
“You should be resting on your weekends!” stresses Jessica. Well, that being said, consider this your official permission to chill. Here are some essentials you need to do just that! Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it.
For the shower…
1. Shaquda Suvé Body Brush Short – Soft
Okay so this is pretty fancy for your everyday shower, but Sundays are for making you feel GOOD—even if that means buying an expensive body brush and eating tuna and rice for the rest of the week. Made by “expert craftsmen who hand-select the softest goat hairs before fitting them into the walnut handle” (don’t you just love that) this body brush is perfect for washing areas such as the face, neck, and décolletage.
Shop here.
2. Mukti Bioactive Body Polish
This native botanical extract blend of macadamia, sandalwood and Davidson plum oil come together to soften, renew and nourish dull, dry skin. Gently exfoliate all over to leave your bod feeling silky smooth. It’s also great for targeting cellulite, stretch marks and skin imperfections.
Shop here.
For the bath…
3.Herbivore Botanicals Coconut Milk – Bath Soak
More of a bath kinda girl? Look no further than this luxe organic coconut milk by one of our favourite eco-friendly beauty brands, Herbivore Botanicals. It’s infused with vanilla essential oils which will not only leave your skin feeling and smelling amazing, the scent will also help calm the mind and provide relief from anxiety, stress or restlessness. Talk about day spa status!
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4. The Base Collective Magnesium Bath Salts
Tired, aching muscles? Treat yourself to a magnesium salt bath which will assist in eliminating fatigue and cramps as well as improve sleep and recovery post-exercise. Simply dissolve into a warm tub and soak for at least 20 minutes for max benefits. Don’t mind if we do.
Shop here.
For your face…
5. Herbs + Heart Face Mud
They don’t call it an ‘express spa in a jar’ for nothing. Boasting an earthy blend of Manuka honey, orange and sandalwood, this mud mask applies thick and only has to be left on for 2-3 minutes to work its magic. The Manuka honey component provides anti-bacterial properties to treat breakouts while the sandalwood and orange provide a gentle exfoliation and fresh feel respectively.
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6. Go-To Transformazing Sheet Mask
When Zoe Foster Blake created this product, she did so with the aim of making your face look ‘even more amazinger’. The serum-drenched sheet mask will leave you with a luminous and hydrated glow which instantly works to brighten the appearance of your skin. Let it rest for 10-15 minutes before removing and pop the kettle on in the meantime.
Shop here.
For your senses…
7. Circa Home Scented Soy Candle—Watermelon & Coconut
Sydney is definitely teasing us with this hot Autumn weather, but for all the summery feels no matter what the forecast says, look no further than this watermelon and coconut scented candle by Circa Home. It’ll create a relaxing ambiance throughout your humble abode while you’re doing your (no)thing. It also comes as a diffuser if that’s more your vibe.
Shop here.
For your mind…
8. The Subtle Art Of Not Giving A F*ck
Dare we say the title speaks for itself?! Written to give you the tools you need to reflect on what truly makes you happy, this book will help you figure out what really matters in life and what you should be letting go of. Think of it as a ‘feel good’ movie but on paper.
Shop here.
9. First, We Make The Beast Beautiful
Written by IQS founder, Sarah Wilson, the bestselling author and entrepreneur shares her experience as an anxiety sufferer and what she’s learned along the way from mental health experts and philosophical teachings. She shines a light on the condition through a spiritual lens and offers a practical and whole-hearted insight to managing one’s feelings and perceptions.
Shop here.
For your health…
10. HUM NUTRITION Big Chill™ Supplements
Well we think these are quite fitting, wouldn’t you say? Take your chill to the next level with a little extra help from HUM Nutrition. A herbal supplement designed to help your body relax and destress, it’s also said to help clear brain fog.
Shop here.
11. Bear Vitamin A + Echinacea For Immunity
We totally get it. It’s hard enough managing to fit in breakfast on a weekday morning let alone remember to take all your vitamins. Give your insides some loving with these vitamin A + Echinacea tablets. They’re loaded with antioxidants and will help keep your immune system in check.
Shop here.
For your hair…
12. Olaplex Hair Perfector No.3
Guilty of neglecting your hair during the week? Sunday is the day to give it some TLC (unless of course, you’re brave enough to walk around with a messy bun hiding the fact that you’ve just drenched your hair in Olaplex). Designed to give you a salon-worthy treatment in the comfort of your own home, Perfector No.3 works to repair your hair from the inside out by preventing breakage and restore life lost from colouring and styling.
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13. Aquis Lisse Luxe Hair Turban
For when you’re just chilling in your towel after a shower (don’t lie, we all do it) this hair turban is the perfect accessory. Not only will it cut down dry time thanks to its innovative woven fibres and water-wicking capabilities, it also works to minimise frizz caused by wringing and rubbing. Oh, and it’ll help keep the hair out of your face when you’ve got your sheet mask on too, so there’s that.
Shop here.
For just before bed…
14. THIS WORKS Deep Sleep Pillow Spray
Truth is, your body isn’t going to truly rest and repair without a good night’s sleep. Combining a soothing blend of lavender and wild chamomile, this spray will help calm the mind in prep for your best sleep ever. Simply give your pillow a little spritz before nodding off to La La Land, ready to start hustling again come Monday (sorry).
Shop here.
