Checking in to the self care hotel
Oh hey, so glad you made it! Did you find the place ok? Wonderful.
Heard it’s getting kinda stormy. Good time to take a break and while we can’t fix anything or change what’s happening “out there” this is the perfect place to recharge before facing it all again.
Ok, first things first, there’s a message here at the front desk to let you know: “Yes the oven is off, the windows are locked and you did put the park break on.”
So. Shall we?
Here’s our catalogue, feel free to peruse at your leisure.
Before you head up to your room, we’ll take care of your luggage for you, so please add to the cloak room the baggage from childhood, (don’t worry it’s a big room) your bag of regret from all-the-things-you-should-have-done-better, and the backpack of silent rage about that-person-who-could-do-with-a-good-slap. None of that can go with you up to the room. So let’s just offload them here.
Done that? Ok perfect.
Here’s your key, let me take you to your room.
You can see there’s a few things set up for you…
We have noise cancelling headphones with the options of our highly recommended playlists or binaural beats, you can find them in our catalogue.
Can I also suggest you pair that with at least a weighted blanket, if not a heat pack too? (We have a few to choose from in various degrees of size and cuteness. They’re also listed in our catalogue and might I suggest the heatable toast-shaped slippers so your feet can be nice and toasty. Get it?
Also as an added delight, this YouTube channel with stunning, genuine fireplace sound effects will whisk you away to a forest where the rest of the world can’t reach you. There’s a temptation here to be sidetracked by the log cabin building people, which are also delightful background noise as there’s nothing quite like watching other people doing work while you’re…not. So, that’s an option as well.
That gorgeous fragrance you’ve picked up on is lavender oil and there’s an ever-heating pot of lemongrass and ginger tea (from unbleached bags) in the corner for you.
There is an unlimited selection of Lush bath bombs (especially the glittery ones) and of course, additional comfort squares and fuzzy socks are available on request.
What’s on at the self care hotel
It depends on how you’re feeling and what you need for the day. If you’re after a bit of escapism and the chance to pretend the rest of the world doesn’t exist, we have a stellar line up for you:
Our 24/7 channels:
We have a few channels dedicated to amazing binge-watching, with zero ads.
Studio Ghibli Channel:
Studio Ghibli has a magical way of removing you from the real world. These movies work as brilliant escapism thanks to their beautiful animation style and the fact that they let moments breathe on the screen instead of fast, slick editing cuts. But more than that, the rest of the world disappears as we watch the main characters go on an endless sequence of side quests. There’s something deeply relatable about that.
I’m making my way through them all, but right now I personally recommend: Arrietty, Kiki’s Delivery Service, Whispers of the Heart, and My Neighbour Totoro.
Star Trek Channel:
Back to back episodes of the best Star Trek episodes across all of the series, not the weird ones like “The Thaw” - only the good ones from Next Generation, Deep Space Nine, Voyager, Strange New Worlds and maybe the one or two episodes of Enterprise that are watchable.
Books that feel like a hug:
You can see in the corner there by the bay window a collection of books to choose from: Anne of Green Gables, Brambly Hedge, The Secret Garden, What You’re Looking For is in the Library among others. There’s a comfy blanket and fairy lights ready to flick on when you want to curl up on the window seat and read the day away.
Bit of joy:
When you’re feeling a little more rested and would like something joyful to dive into, can I recommend the following games:
Astro Bot
The sound effects in this game give me life. His adorable call outs for his lost robot mates, the jewels that clink around as you kick them, then there’s the dances, and the outfits. I can not get over how cute this game is.
Untitled Goose Game
If you’ve ever wanted to stir up trouble just for the sake of it, this is the game for you. It gives your inner sass monster a place to play without reckoning. (Also highly recommend you pick up the glass bottle and honk. You’re welcome.) It’s just so much fun being a nuisance. It’s a great outlet for inner frustration - when you can irritate everyone else.
Apps:
As we’re getting ready to get back out into the real world, let’s get a few things set up to help us feel supported and strong. Here are two of our most highly recommended apps:
Finch
The cutest self care habit tracker. Who remembers the tamagotchi? Finch is like that, except less stressful and you care for your creature by reaching your own goals. You can tailor it so if just getting out bed and drinking water is the kind of season you’re in, your Finch goals can reflect that. It’s free, (there’s a paid tier but I just use the free version.) If you want to join me click here. That link should give you your first micropet and I chose Blizzard the Wizard for you. You’re welcome. (Or use my friend code: 1SEES3FQJ93 so we can send each other high fives and flowers.)
Headspace
I use Headspace daily. The binaural beats are amazing for focusing or getting out of an anxiety spiral. But I especially love the soundscapes to fall asleep to and help my mind go quiet. Personal soundscapes faves: Midnight Laundrette, Rainday Antiques and the Slow Train. This isn’t a free app but it’s less than therapy.
Final thoughts
Before I leave you to enjoy your stay here, I wanted to reassure you with a couple of thoughts. Firstly, that whatever your reasons are for this visit, they’re valid. You might have had a bad day, a tough year, an epic decade - it doesn’t matter. This space is yours regardless.
Secondly, you’re allowed to have this time to yourself. Yes, this hotel is a luxurious priviledge not everyone can avail themselves of. But that doesn’t mean you’re selfish for taking a moment to restore your inner world. Even when mess may continue to swirl overhead.
It is not here. Not now. Not in this moment.
You’re worth looking after.
Your beautiful, precious days are worth having pieces of good and joy and loveliness and cute robots and glitter bath bombs to fill them.
Feel free to take the catalogue and recommendations with you for inspiration in the future. Remember, you can revisit any time you need, there’s always a room with your name on it.
Also if you know someone who could use a visit to The Self Care Hotel, please share this with them and invite them in?
Good things come to those who subscribe🤍🪩
Ohhh myyy ggggg this post is beautiful!! 🥹 I love everything about it, you have such a way of telling stories, Keeley 🤗
This feels so good just to read. I’m actually rewatching Strange New Worlds right now because I love the show, and honestly, I wouldn’t mind watching it in good company. We need rest as much as anything else, and your self care hotel sounds like the perfect place to recharge.