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Self-Care Secrets & Wellness Tips From Your Favourite North East Influencers

Renowned for their inspiring wellness journeys, fashion and self-care routines, Joanna McNeish (lovestyle40), Francesca Toole (francescatoole1), Newcastle Lass – Rebecca (rebbeebee), and Christopher Edwin (theeddychris) have partnered with Eldon Square to share their top self-care tips that will leave you feeling recharged and refreshed.

From skincare hacks to mindfulness practices and simple daily rituals, they’ve got something for everyone to effortlessly weave self-care into your routine. We caught up with them and asked them the most important questions about taking time for yourself, prioritising well-being, and finding moments of calm amidst the hustle.

Ready for some hints and tips? Here’s what they had to say!

Christopher Edwin

1. What are your top three go-to self-care rituals, and how do they help you stay balanced?

Mindful Mornings: I usually start my day with a few minutes of meditation, then I plan out my day and finally I listen to music whilst stretching. Having this morning ritual really helps me bring a sense of calm and focus to each and every day.

Exercise: when I’m not at the gym, I try to do a home workout or hit 10,000 steps for the day. I find that staying active boosts not only my physical health, but also my mental well-being.

Skincare: I have a dedicated skincare routine, morning and night, and find it such a helpful way to unwind and practice self-care.

2. What are some of your favourite self-care products or places to visit at Eldon Square for relaxation and rejuvenation?

I love The Body Shop’s nourishing body butters and calming skincare essentials and also love the skincare and wellness supplements at Boots. I’m also really into fragrance, so love a trip to The Fragrance Shop so I can grab my go-to perfume, YSL EDL.

3. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start prioritising self-care but doesn’t know where to begin?

Start small! Self-care doesn’t have to be time-consuming or expensive, just begin with simple habits like staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, or taking short breaks during the day. Make sure to listen to yourself too and pay attention to what you need, because self-care looks different for everyone. I find a routine is essential too – by treating self-care as a non-negotiable in your schedule, it means you are always investing in yourself.

Joanna McNeish

1. What are your top three go-to self-care rituals, and how do they help you stay balanced?

It’s really important for me that I go for a walk outside and get plenty of fresh air and exercise every day. Another one of my self-care rituals is making sure I start the day right with a healthy breakfast, vitamins and my favourite tea, as it is a great way to kick off any day! My other all-important self-care ritual is taking a bath with all of my favourite oils, lighting some lovely candles and reading my book.

2. What are some of your favourite self-care products or places to visit at Eldon Square for relaxation and rejuvenation?

My favourite places to visit at Eldon Square for self-care products have to be John Lewis & Partners for my ESPA bath products and Holland & Barrett for my daily vitamins and favourite Bio & Me muesli. I also love popping into Fenwick for a little treat from the beauty department where I can pick up some beautiful flowers on my way out too.

3. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start prioritising self-care but doesn’t know where to begin?

The best advice is to find out what truly relaxes you. Focus on activities that nourish your mind and body and doing small daily routines like mindful breathing, going for a short walk, or just relaxing and reading a book with your cup of tea. Self-care is important, even if it’s just 10 minutes a day where you completely switch off and it’s just you and your calm space.

Francesca Toole

1. What are your top three go-to self-care rituals, and how do they help you stay balanced?

I have been going to Pilates for ten months now and I absolutely love it – it’s helped so much with both my physical fitness and making me more mindful. I also love walking. I changed my mindset a few years ago and now commit to choosing to walk instead of driving short distances, and it’s improved my mood drastically. My other self-care ritual is eating lots of yummy whole foods as I find when I am feeling good on the inside it shines through outwardly too.

2. What are some of your favourite self-care products or places to visit at Eldon Square for relaxation and rejuvenation?

I recently started a hair care journey and did a huge Sephora haul and have found the K18 and Redken products to be truly life-changing. Fenwick is also pure heaven to me! Me, my mam and sister can spend a full day in there just browsing the amazing skincare, makeup and perfume whilst having nonstop girly chats. I’m also really into the Claudalie skincare range at the moment too and John Lewis have an amazing array of skincare. I don’t wear a lot of makeup, so their face mist is amazing. That paired with some Drunk Elephant tinted moisturiser is my go-to!

3. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start prioritising self-care but doesn’t know where to begin?

Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, and I do think it can be a misconception, so make sure to appreciate the small wins every day and talk positively to yourself. I would start by creating a three-step self-care routine for your evening; including things that make you feel good, which could be some skin care, a face mask, reading, or as small as lighting a candle!

Newcastle Lass – Rebecca

1. What are your top three go-to self-care rituals, and how do they help you stay balanced?

A regular skincare routine! I don’t use a lot of complicated products, but I do use products that I know work for me. Finding a moisturiser that works well with your specific skin type can work wonders! I also make sure to wear SPF every day – even in winter or when the weather isn’t great! That way you know you are looking after your skin as best you can.

Taking time for hobbies. If there’s a hobby you love, then try to make time for it. Whether it’s a sport, a crafty project, reading, whatever brings you joy and helps you to chill out. For me, it’s cosy gaming and I play games like Animal Crossing on my Nintendo Switch to zone out at the end of the day.

Try to go for walks in new places. There are so many lovely walks here in the North East and we’ve got some beautiful countryside and beaches to make use of. Being out in the fresh air really helps me re-centre myself or come up with new creative ideas! Just make sure you have proper footwear on.

2. What are some of your favourite self-care products or places to visit at Eldon Square for relaxation and rejuvenation?

The hand creams from The Body Shop are a must for me because I get really dry and cracked skin on my hands. Their hand creams work wonders! I also really love the different brands in Sephora as they offer a lot of different options. At the moment I’m using the Ultra Violette SPF cream from Sephora and I love it. I’m also a big H&M girl so whenever I need any new clothing that’s the first shop I’ll go to!

3. What advice would you give to someone who wants to start prioritising self-care but doesn’t know where to begin?

Don’t feel like you need to buy what’s trendy right now. Following trends can be overwhelming. Instead, find what type of products you really love, that suit your personality and your needs. Trends can be really fun, but they won’t last forever. If you find items that work for you, whether that’s makeup, skincare, haircare or clothing styles, then you can really personalise your own self-care.