5 Ways to Use Nature at Home During Lockdown
Our mindful mantra at Bramley is to remain calm and provide you with a few coping mechanisms which work to ease the anxiety you may be feeling at this time.
Take a moment for yourself; whether it's taking in the magical spring sunshine - there's nothing more grounding than reconnecting with nature, or running a bath and letting yourself just stop for a bit, it's all about nurturing your mind and nourishing your skin.
This can be easier said than done if you live in a city or don't have access to open space easily. So we've come up with five activities that will keep you connected to the natural world but can also be done from your kitchen table.
Make your own bath salts
Nothing beats our very own Bramley Bath Salts, but it can be fun to make your own and experiment with different scents. It's super easy to do and the therapeutic benefits are amazing!
You will need:
280 grams of Epsom salts
Pink sea salt (optional)
20 drops lavender oil (or your favourite scented oil)
1 tsp dried lavender (optional)
STEP 1:
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Epsom salts and pink sea salt. Mix together.
STEP 2:
Add the Lavender essential oil. Use your hands to mix in thoroughly. Add dried lavender and combine.
STEP 3:
Transfer to jars to store or pour straight into the bath.
STEP 4:
Let all the goodness soak in and relax.
Make your own face mask using natural ingredients
If your skin requires some moisture and hydration, this quick and easy recipe is fantastic for an evening of pampering.
Ingredients for moisture-rich face mask:
1/2 avocado (helps to hydrate skin)
1 tablespoon of honey (a natural antibacterial and anti-inflammatory)
A handful of oats or oat bran.
STEP 1:
Simply mash all the ingredients together and add a few more oats if you need a thicker consistency.
STEP 2:
Put a generous layer on your face, sit back and relax for 15 minutes and wash off with warm water.
STEP 3:
Add cucumber slices to eyes to reduce puffiness.
Instant Pressed flower cards
One of the most thoughtful things to receive during lockdown is a handmade card and we love using pressed flowers to do this. Even if you don’t have a garden, you can pick up some flowers (there is a lot of blossom around) or leaves during your daily walk. Pressing flowers using the traditional method can take weeks, but this technique gives you instant dried flowers!
STEP 1:
Press the flowers between two absorbent pieces of paper, and then flatten with a heavy book.
STEP 2:
Grab your iron & make sure there is no water in it - the last thing you want to do is add moisture to the flower.
STEP 3:
Heat the iron on low. Once warm, press the iron on top of the upper sheet of paper for 10 to 15 seconds. You do not need to make a gliding motion the way you would when ironing a shirt. Wait for another 15 seconds until the paper has cooled, then repeat this process. Carefully lift the paper to check if the flower is stiff and dry.
STEP 4:
When fully dry they’re ready to stick onto card.
Grow a mini herb garden
You really don’t need much space to grow herbs. Add some pots to your trolley when you're next in the supermarket or visit the brilliant Rocket Gardens and order some direct to your door. A few pots and a sunny spot by a window will do the job. For the healthiest herbs, make sure they get about six hours of sunlight a day, with good drainage at the bottom of your pots. If you're concerned that the drainage holes will ruin your tabletop or windowsill, use a saucer or liner to catch any excess water.
Try an online workshop
Printmaker and friend of Bramley, Molly Mohan has produced a series of Instagram tutorials for potato block printing. Simple yet effective and great fun to do with the kids! For more of Molly's tutorials and fun activities follow her Instagram, @mollymahonblockprinting
You can also buy Molly Mahon block printing sets online, but be quick, the last release sold out in 9 minutes!
Create something like Molly did for our very own Bramley washbag...
We're not saying these small activities will cure your boredom during these uncertain times but creativity is always a great outlet to let go of some of life's anxieties and keep your mind at ease.
If you need to chat or want any more information about our products, please do get in touch, we'd love to hear from you!
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