Alex and Olivia Bowen talk self-care
How have you protected your mental health during the pandemic?
Olivia: We’re used to spending a lot of time with each other, but even we have had our arguments. It’s really important to have time to yourself.
Alex: We write down little things to do throughout the day to keep ourselves busy, like going for a run or doing the washing.
What book have you read that you’ve loved?
O: I love The Life-changing Magic Of Not Giving A F**k [Quercus, £14.99]. It’s about mind management, and learning to just get over things. It’s been really great for me, because I can hold onto things. A: I listen to a podcast called Bad Friends. I prefer podcasts to music now.
What’s your ultimate self-care routine?
O: I absolutely love a bath. I’ll just put on a hair mask and sheet mask. I swear by Skin Republic masks, and I’ve got my own one with them called the Prep+glow Mask [£3.99].
A: Working out for me is my therapy. I wake up every morning and get to the gym straight away to clear my mind.
What’s your go-to skincare routine?
O: I cleanse in the morning, use my toner and really go for it. If I’m feeling lazy, my favourite products are from Nivea – they’re so easy and affordable.
A: I’m probably the most standard person ever. I do have a face wash that’s good for beards, too, even though I haven’t really got a beard. It makes your face feel really nice and I use that daily.
Do you have any sleep rituals?
A: I can’t sleep without rain and thunder noise on Youtube. My mind is just thinking about so many other things, and when I put that on, I feel like I can sleep.
O: Yeah, it’s like a white noise kinda thing – a bit like meditation.
‘We’ll go for a run to keep busy’