SELF CARE WITH ANIKE 1 : THE POWER OF MOVEMENT

In the hustle of daily life, it’s easy to forget the importance of taking time for yourself – to move, to reset, and to reconnect with what makes you feel you.

In the rush of everyday life, it’s so easy to forget about yourself. You know, the basics – moving your body, taking a step back, and just reconnecting with what makes you feel good. Life gets hectic, and suddenly, you're juggling work, responsibilities, and the never ending to-do lists. And before you know it, the things that used to make you feel at peace end up on the back burner.

For me, that thing was swimming. Honestly, I’ve been swimming since I was a kid – it’s just one of those things that’s always been part of me. But somewhere along the way, I got caught up in the madness of adulting, and I stopped making time for it. 

But when I finally started getting back into it, I remembered exactly why I loved it.

It's meditative. It’s therapeutic. It’s me-time in the purest form. I find myself thinking less about the million things I have to do and more about how my body moves through the water, letting go of stress, and just being. 

Let’s talk about Muay Thai. Honestly, I never thought I’d find myself doing something of this nature, but here I am, learning how to throw elbows, knees, and punches. It started as something new to try with my best friend, but eventually has now become a part of my daily routine. What I love about Muay Thai is that it’s not just about strength; it's about learning discipline, focus, and patience. Also it provides a different routine to the gym which is something I was really looking for! 

There’s this quiet confidence that comes with pushing yourself out of your comfort zone and realising just how much you’re capable of. 

Now, look, living in London, especially in the winter, can make it so hard to want to get up and move. The cold, the grey skies, and the constant drizzle make it so tempting to just curl up under the duvet with some a hot drink and Netflix or Disney+. Trust me, I know. But sometimes, you’ve got to fight through that hardness. You've got to remind yourself that this whole "self-care" thing isn’t just about chilling out and slowing down. Sometimes it’s about pushing through that initial resistance and doing something that makes you feel alive. It’s not always easy, but I promise, it’s worth it. I recently saw a quote of "Follow the plan, not your mood" and it really plays in my mind often.

Self-care isn’t one-size-fits-all, and it's not always about slowing down. Sometimes, it’s about getting moving and  embracing challenges.

At the end of the day, self-care and physical activity go hand in hand—it's about creating a balance between nurturing your body and mind. When you prioritise movement, you're not just strengthening muscles, you're also boosting your mental clarity, emotional resilience, and overall sense of well-being.