AIBU to ask for suggestions for the mythical beast that is self care?

[lockdownwithwhoresdrawers]

Doctor best friend has just called me mid breakdown and I have decided to take her for a bit of a self care day on Thursday as she is off work and needs some pampering.
We need something in London, she is central/East and we are happy to travel within the London area. Both enjoy a good spa, good food, just want a relaxed time generally as we are both busy working women with lots going on.

Honestly I don’t think self care is about spa days it’s about doing all the boring healthy stuff, food, exercise, down time, seeing friends all the time.

If she is at breakdown time then she probably doesn’t want anytime too overwhelming.

I do agree, I think she just wants some girly time for want of a better word! We usually do some long walks and picnics in this situation but I'd prefer something inside this week I think.

If I was in central london I think I'd like to go for a really nice afternoon tea somewhere really NICE and calm and comfy.

I agree with @Fitforforty if she is really having a breakdown, I would go to her house, and put her to bed for the day. If she is burnt out and at the end of her rope, she will need this. I would then (quietly!) clean the whole house, do all her washing, have an easy dinner in the slow cooker/oven and have the next days meals prepped and in the fridge or freezer as well.

If she has kids I would take them over to my house for the night.

All in all, you have given her space and time to decompress and let her emotions catch up with her, by giving her the day. By doing the chores for the next day, you have made the re-entry into the world easier on the second day. Ideally for burnout people you need to do this over at least a week, but if you only have a day, this is the best plan.

A second option is to bring her to your place and do the same in a guest room, but you don’t get to tidy up her place then.

A spa day is a girls day out. Not a burnout recovery.

So agree Fit my most lovely experiences have been when a friend just goes with me for a walk in the woods and we look at the bluebells. Or driving round posh areas looking at beautiful old houses. Or having afternoon tea together.

She doesn't have kids (I do) and she lives in a flat share with one other considerate woman, I might bring some meals up for her or do a Waitrose order for her. She likes Gousto a lot. Afternoon tea might be a bit too much like forced chattering in a public space, a good idea for another time though.

@Ijustknowitstimetogo

So agree Fit my most lovely experiences have been when a friend just goes with me for a walk in the woods and we look at the bluebells. Or driving round posh areas looking at beautiful old houses. Or having afternoon tea together.

Haha, this!! Spent many a happy afternoon wandering round Hampstead or through Epping Forest.

How about the Wallace Collection gallery in W1U 3BN? Little gem of a museum/gallery including Marie Antionette's snuff boxes. They have a courtyard restaurant if the weather does clear up. Or round the corner to Selfridges for afternoon tea.

@FollowYourOwnNorthStar will you be my friend? I would love for this to be done for me.