To all the strong women out there, we celebrate you on International Women’s Day! It hasn’t been easy, but we females have come a long way in empowering ourselves and achieving a more gender-balanced society. Of course, there’s still more to do, including finding balance in our own lives. So, while we continue to fight the good fight, whether by breaking glass ceilings at work or by championing worthwhile causes, it is also important not to neglect our own wellbeing. Here is team Avec Amour’s favourite ways to achieve #BalanceforBetter in our personal lives by practicing self-care.

1.  Get your glow on
Nothing beats the pampering indulgence of a facial, especially when you see that post-treatment radiant glow on your face. Besides its beautifying benefits, the massage movements are often so soothing, you might even get lulled into a power nap during the facial too. This relaxing effect might even last till bedtime, for a deeply satisfying quality night’s sleep too.

2. Sweat it out
Don’t underestimate the positive benefits of a good workout, which not only helps you keep in shape but is also an excellent way to de-stress and release endorphins too. If you’re not the sort who likes going to the gym or taking solo runs, why not sign up for trendy group fitness classes for some mutual motivation? These days, there are many cool studio-based workouts like boxing or cycling classes, which are done in a darkened room to a great soundtrack for a fun-filled club atmosphere, so that exercise does not feel like a chore. Ps. In our books, sex is a great endorphin-releasing workout too!

3.  Achieve mind-body balance
It is important to look after your mental health. Mindfulness practices like meditation have been proven to have positive effects on one’s mental wellbeing. If you need help getting started, apps like Breathe on the Apple Watch or Headspace, which can be used on iOS and Android devices, are a good starting point. Or if you prefer movement-based activities, yoga is a great way to develop a stronger mind-body connection so you feel calmer and more grounded in your daily life.

4. Be social
Spend time with your loved ones, like your closest friends and family, to boost your happiness. Yes, it does require some effort to carve out time from your busy schedule, but all the good vibes you’ll receive while building strong relationships with the people who matter will go a long way in alleviating stress and keeping you feeling on top of the world.

5. Treat yo’ self
You work hard for your money, so don’t be afraid to spoil yourself with a little something special every now and then. We might be biased but we think indulging in sexy designer lingerie is one of the best treats that money can buy. Because your choice in lingerie is personal - it is something that’s strictly for your eyes only, unless you decide otherwise - you are free to wear anything that you feel good in. So, pick out something special, put it on and experience for yourself the immediate boost to your self-confidence that a set of designer lingerie can empower you with.

So ladies, make it a priority to love yourself first. The rest will fall in place. Happy International Women’s Day!