No matter the skin that you are in, you and it deserve love and appreciation - especially from yourself. My past therapist once told me that it is all skin at the end of the day and it will always be there, just in a different form; I try to live by this every day and know that even though my skin isn't how I want it now, one day it will and damaging it won't make that day come any quicker. 

There was a time in my life, that spanned years, where I didn't feel like myself and I didn't want to be myself, so I started to punish myself for that. Now I see that one day I will look in the mirror and see the real me, but punishing myself for not being that person now is pointless. Here are some techniques that have helped me to cope when I am feeling down:

Listen to music

Create a 'Relax' playlist with songs that are slow, gentle or mean something to you. I plug my phone into my speakers and listen to it on shuffle whilst just lying on my bed and doing some deep breathing. 

Have a hot bath

Add some muscle rub, bubble bath or your favourite bath bomb to create a safe space for you. This will relax your muscles and induce a state of calmness, allowing you to by happy.

Aromatherapy

Certain scents trigger a specific response within our bodies. For example, Eucalyptus promotes sinus health.

Have a pamper

Whenever I feel down about myself, I take a 2 hour pamper session to make me see myself in a different light. I usually wash my face and then do a facemask, and eyebrow tint, a lip mask, sometimes do my nails and then my skin care and anti-blemish routine to leave me refreshed and relaxed. 

Put on some clothes you feel confident in

When my self confidence is down, I like to lay out a outfit that I feel confident in and put it on to show that I can feel attractive and self-confident. Sometimes, I like to design new outfits and imagine wearing them the next day, and this lifts my spirits too.

Retail therapy 

For a fashion queenie like me, retail therapy is by far the most effective method of relaxation. After discovering my love for vintage clothes, I love a good vintage shopping spree; vintage clothes make me feel confident and comfortable in my own skin, so retail therapy is a must have for me. Treat yourself to something that will make you feel better instantly. 

Have a hot drink

I love to make a nice hot chocolate with milk as it completely relaxes me. I personally love to choose a different flavour each time as it releases the same amount of endorphins each time and that relaxation level never drops. 

Take a walk

Sometimes a change of scenery is always good when you're feeling low; sometimes because you've got into a rut and sometimes because you need something different to focus on. Studies show that 30 minutes of light exercise  (such as walking) daily increases endorphins and physical health, so a 30 minute walk will improve not only your mental health, but your physical health too. 

Light a scented candle

Scented candles are always relaxing; you may connote certain scents with certain happy memories, so a candle with this scent will make you feel happy. For example, I have a lovely memory of baking gingerbread with my mum, so a gingerbread candle helps me to relax.