Why Treating Yourself is Effective Self-Care (science says so!)

 Self-care has become a real buzzword lately, usually accompanied by influencers in fancy hotel robes at a £300 per night spa (as if). That’s not what self-care should be about; the real essence is tiny, meaningful acts of kindness to yourself. The more we practice self-care, the more we’ll start to love ourselves and learn that we’re worthy of feeling a bit special from time-to-time!

We at Laughing Sisters, believe that joy can come from the smallest ritual: a cup of tea looking at the view, an hour with your favourite book, a pair of funky socks that make you giggle or an afternoon out dog-walking taking a break from screens!

If you need a little pick-me-up, shop our self-care gifts collection now.

Why We Struggle to Treat Ourselves

Generally, women these days do it all: Work, buy houses, have pets, raise children, decorate, DIY, cook, clean, lift weights, start side-hustles… you name it, we do it! We’re incredible people… but we sometimes struggle to relax. Somehow, rest = laziness and we really need to re-write this narrative!

Little self-care treats should be the norm, and buying yourself regular happiness gifts to help keep your mental health in check should be essential!

The Psychology of the Self-Gift

Anybody else a bit of a science nerd? Just me? Ah well, I’m going to tell you anyway because it’s interesting, but I’ll keep it light so if you want to find out more, please read further! Gift-giving releases the holy trinity of key neurotransmitters (brain chemicals):

Dopamine – for desire and motivation

Serotonin – for feelings of contentment and satisfaction

Oxytocin – the ‘bonding hormone’ to strengthen trust and social connection

This combination stimulates pleasure centres in your brain, boosting your mood. The even better news is that both gift-giving and receiving activate this feeling, so treating yourself is a wellness double-whammy!

(Gift-giving unwrapped: the neurochemical magic behind the joy)

You needn’t feel self-indulgent either, the UK wellness market is the 5th biggest in the world, and with 1 in 20 UK adults reporting low life satisfaction self-care is now a necessity, not a luxury!

(UK Measures of National Well-being Dashboard - Office for National Statistics)

What Self-Care Really Looks Like

Wellness is not all predictable movie-style me-time with face masks, eye masks and long bubble baths. Self-care is more likely saying no to plans without guilt, ordering takeaway so you don’t have to cook and do dishes or buying a little something that makes you smile rather than something for show.

Self-care gift baskets that really help you feel better might have a list pad so you can empty your busy brain, or sassy socks that say ‘I’m just peachy M*therf*cker’ to help you tolerate your condescending boss without them knowing, or an empowering tote bag so you can channel your favourite quote while you do your shopping. The possibilities are endless but remember, it’s all about you!

Why Giving Self-Care Gifts to Others Matters

Whether it’s a gift for a woman who loves self-care or one that would never ordinarily make time for herself and needs the encouragement, there is a huge amount to be gained from gifting wellness products to your loved ones. Refer back to the scientific bit we learnt about earlier, gift giving and receiving releases Oxytocin which helps strengthen bonds and feelings of belonging. In today’s divisive world, making that special effort of giving a gift to connect with friends could make a huge difference.

Sometimes women just need somebody else to tell them it’s ok to slow down and take some me-time. The perfect self-care gift for a busy woman is one which speaks to her soul. What does she long to have time to do? Try hand and lip balm with a pair of dog-themed socks for a friend who clears her head by adventuring with the dog. Or how about an empowering book or journal for your stationery-loving, feminist friend? When gifting self-care remember the three important things: make it simple and easy (she isn’t going to re-vamp her entire lifestyle, she just needs to take an hour), make it personal (you know her better than she knows herself) and make it fun (a little gift that brings a smile goes a long way).

Turning Self-Care into a Habit (Not a One-Off Treat)

Let’s face it… you finally carve out some time for yourself and then 2 hours later work is a nightmare, the kids end up fighting, the house is a mess, and you think ‘why did I bother!?’ Sound familiar? Women come under endless stress; through menstruation, contraception, pregnancy, childbirth, parenting, menopause, caring for elders… there is never a time a woman isn’t under extra pressure. This is why self-care must be on-going. It’s easier to deal with life when you know you have another little treat or pick-me-up just around the corner. Remember, laughter is the best medicine! And Laughing Sisters will be with you all the way reminding you how brilliant you are and coming up with new, fun self-care gift ideas for as long as you’ll have us!

Ready to Start your Self-Care Era?

Whether you’re gifting to someone else or finally saying yes to yourself – it’s all care and it all counts! Explore our self-care collection for joyful ways to prioritise you!

If you sign up to our email list you get 10% off your first order and FREE delivery when you spend over £30.

Remember to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest for more thoughtful gift ideas and to generally see us make a fool of ourselves for your entertainment!

Lots of love,

Natalie & Steph

The Laughing Sisters