Self-care tips

Cat Deeley is advocating for a realistic approach to self-care, encouraging individuals to embrace 'little pockets of time' for exercise and pampering amidst busy schedules. Deeley's philosophy stands against the 'forced-fed wellness' trend, emphasizing personalized self-care practices over complicated and expensive regimes.
Speaking to Harpers Bazaar, Deeley expressed her aversion to the notion of women being pressured into standardized wellness routines. She believes that self-care should be tailored to individual needs and preferences, rather than adhering to prescribed regimes that are often difficult to maintain. Deeley's approach involves incorporating small, manageable activities into her daily routine, such as skincare, at-home yoga, or infrared sauna sessions, which she finds effective for soothing aches and pains.
Grace Walsh, woman&home digital health editor, supports Deeley's zero-pressure approach to self-care, particularly regarding exercise. Walsh highlights the importance of avoiding pressure to exercise, as it can lead to abandoning routines. Instead, she suggests incorporating 'exercise snacks' – short bursts of mindful movement lasting no more than 10 minutes – throughout the day. Examples include balancing on one leg while waiting for the kettle to boil or taking two trips up the stairs instead of one. Research has shown the health benefits of such short, frequent exercise sessions.
Deeley favors yoga as her preferred form of exercise, as it allows her to focus on breathing and movement, effectively calming her mind. She also incorporates cryotherapy, a celebrity-approved skin treatment involving cold temperatures, to address skin concerns like fine lines and puffiness. At-home cryotherapy devices and ice rollers offer convenient alternatives for achieving similar benefits.
A crucial aspect of Deeley's self-care routine is her morning skincare regimen, which always includes SPF application to protect her skin from sun damage. She emphasizes the importance of using SPF, a habit she regrets not adopting earlier in life.
Deeley's morning skincare routine consists of the following products:
- Ella & Jo Brighten & Glow Exfoliating Cleanser: A cleanser containing natural ingredients like pumpkin enzyme, vitamin A, vitamin E, and Omega 6, designed to gently exfoliate, cleanse, and hydrate the skin.
- Ella & Jo Hyaluronic Serum: A serum formulated with Matrixyl 3000 and Hyaluronic Acid to plump and smooth the skin, along with Jasmine and Green Tea for hydration and anti-inflammatory effects.
- Ella & Jo Plump & Protect Day Cream, SPF 30: A multi-tasking moisturizer that plumps, hydrates, and protects the skin from UVA, UVB, blue light, and pollution, while also reducing fine lines and wrinkles with hyaluronic acid, ceramides, and glycerin.
Regardless of her daily schedule, Deeley prioritizes her morning pampering routine, ensuring that she starts the day with self-care and self-love.