C’mon, we’ve all heard of it, it’s basically everywhere right now: SELF CARE. I’ve seen more articles and posts than ever screaming the importance of taking time for you. And really, that is the most important right? As much as we can give ourselves to our work, families, friends and hobbies, there’s no way we can be our best self if we are stretched too thin. So tell me, what does self care look like to you? Are you a bath bomb and red wine kinda person or do you get the most from a therapy session? Whatever self-care means for you, I really do think it is important to integrate it into your life. With our lives seemingly getting busier and busier, we will only be our best selves if we take care of us first.
I’ve noticed that my life lately has just been go go go, that I really haven’t taken the time to stop and smell the roses (cliche, but it’s true)! I mean, I can’t even fathom that we are already in our second week of October?? I remember NYE like it was yesterday…
This all being said, I’m gonna dive into many ways that you can practice self care (even ones that don’t involve a face mask and pedicure, if that’s not your thing!!).
Pampering
This is such a fun thing to do! Ah, there’s so much I can suggest to you that would be in this category. Typically, I’m very easy going when it comes to skin/hair care. If it’s more than two steps, I’m not about it. However, when I have the time to relax and put effort into these things, I LOVE IT. On some Sunday’s (my usual self-care day), I’ll do a hair mask, face mask, do my nails, do a body scrub, do a six step facial routine and it. feels. great. I’m always *wishing* I had a bathtub to use bath bombs in, however I just have a shower so I use those little steam-activated shower bombs instead! Here’s some of my fave products when I wanna be extra:
Face Mask, Hair Mask, Shower bombs, Body Scrub, Facial Oil, Moisturizer
Saying no
Growing up as an only child, I learned how to appreciate my alone time and now, it’s really something that I cherish. It is okay, in fact, I really think most experts would encourage you to say no to things you aren’t that excited about. CAVEAT: Now, do not read this and say, aw man she’s right, I’m really not excited about facing my fears and going skydiving with my friends so I’m gonna cancel. NOOOOO. Face your fears, do ya thang! What I am saying is that when you have three happy hours with coworkers, a nail appointment, a meeting with an old friend from school, a housewarming party for your boyfriend’s friend’s brother’s girlfriend and a volunteer opportunity all in one week and your stressed TF out, maybe go ahead and skip out on one of the happy hours? Or maybe say you’re too busy for the housewarming party? All I’m trying to say is, you don’t have to spend your whole life saying yes to everything. While I do believe getting out of the house and doing fun things is great, you HAVE to have your time to recharge and there is never any reason to spread yourself too thin.
Meditation
DON’T SKIP THIS SECTION PLEASE! Haha, I feel like when most people (or honestly, even me) see meditation as a way to help they skip past it. I don’t know what about it is so hard for me, but the last time I tried to use Head Space I was really struggling. I am one of those people whose minds NEVER RESTS. I am constantly thinking of what I should be doing next, what I’m avoiding, how it’s going to affect me, etc. I just have to find a way that works to shut my mind off and truly relax sometimes. So for me, meditation isn’t about saying “ohm” and sitting cross-legged, it’s just about emptying my mind and focusing on my breath. Usually, before I go to bed is when I tend to be the most restless up in the ol’ noggin, so I turn up my rain sounds playlist on Spotify and try to block out all the internal (and sometimes external because I live on a busy busy street) noise. Try out the Head Space app, find some nature playlists, or maybe just take a few deep breaths and clear your mind. It’s basically self-care 101 😉
Taking time for you
Basically the whole point of self-care is to take time for you right? Well, here’s some more ideas that I would consider self-care if I give the time to myself to do them: therapy, calling family to catch up, cooking something new and exciting, CLEANING. Are you laughing at the last one? You may think I’m crazy but I find it therapeutic. Plus, I think we can all use a good dusting and sweep now and then.
Exercise
This is so important! Physical activity has about 58345728689 benefits (ok, maybe not that many, but it really is so good for you!) so we really should all be doing it. No matter what type your into, walking, HIIT, spin classes, barre, hiking, keep doing it and do a little every day if you can. There are so many (and I really mean, soooo many) days where I do NOT want to go to the gym after work. On the days that I force myself to go, I end up being so happy that I did. I’ve honestly never regretted a work out (no matter how sore it’s made me :)). Right now, I just started Sarah’s Day second e-book called Sweat it Reload. It’s a mix of HIIT workouts, toning, and challenges. Go check it out if you wanna be pushed hard and get strong. Coming up, my boyfriend asked me to do the 1000 mile challenge with him (cringing just writing that), where you run 1000 miles in one year. He says it won’t be too bad, we’ll see how long I last (writing it on here so maybe you guys can hold me accountable). On another note, my roommate just tried the Class Pass free trial and really enjoyed it. It became her weekend mix-up and gave her something to wake up early for on Saturdays/Sundays. Maybe give it a try?
A good book
This is the best! I love cozying up (especially now that it has gotten chillier outside) with some good candles and an exciting book. My roommate inspired me to get a membership to our local library, and wow, why was I ever spending $20+ on books??? Anyways, I love the library because they have all the latest books and are available to check out fo free (I know y’all know how a library works, but I just can’t believe I’ve never thought to get a library card as an adult)! A few books I’m currently reading or have read: The Farm (fiction), The Radium Girls (Non-fiction, but an INCREDIBLE story, see My Favorite Murder podcast for a little preview), and Body Love (nutritional science, v interesting).
Big ol’ glass of red
I mean… ‘nuf said.
Hope you enjoyed this post friends! I gotta go, I have a good book and a face mask to get to 😉
xoxo, Alexis