I wanted to get this post up in May because it was Mental Health Awareness Month. But life happens and here we are … in June. (holy cow!) To be honest, I can’t believe how long its been since I published a new post. A lot has happened in the last few months and taking a break one week turned into, well, months. I didn’t want to put CC on the back burner but it happened. So, it’s time to get back to it! Seems like self-care is the perfect topic to come back with.
We see so much about self-care online, it starts to feel a little cliché. But to me, self-care is such an important part of my wellness journey. I tend to be a very loyal person. So much so that I don’t make myself a priority like I should. Self-care means setting aside time for myself to relax and refresh or to check some things off my to-do list. You know the variety of sayings like “you can’t pour from an empty cup”? It’s true! I can’t give my all when I’m not all there.
I have big plans for this year which means I want to feel good and make them happen. I’ve found that when I feel good on the outside, it helps on the inside, too. So, I like to make that my priority when I have me time. Of course there are the usual things that help us all feel better – eat well, drink plenty of water, exercise and get enough sleep. But, sometimes we need a little something extra. Personally, I try to incorporate self-care activities into my weekend since I have more time than a weeknight.
Here are some ideas of ways to care for yourself:
Self-Care Ideas
Do nothing: I’m a planner. My lists have lists. So, I tend to feel guilty when I know there are things I should do after work and I don’t do them. Last week I had a pretty rough day and came home feeling drained. I ate dinner and just let myself watch TV until I got ready for the next day and went to bed. Honestly, I probably felt better than if I had been productive. My brain needed to rest. Don’t feel bad about taking a little time to do nothing.
Read: I really like reading but I don’t seem to make time for it. I easily get distracted or decide to watch TV so I can multi-task. Reading makes me focus which is a good way to stop over-thinking about all the stuff going on in my head.
Meditate: I got an Apple Watch a couple of months ago and have been really into the activity and health apps. Some of those apps are for meditation. I’m still trying to decide which I like best, but right now I have both Aura and Calm. There aren’t as many options with a free plan but its nice to have a structured way to learn meditation.
Take a bath: I tried taking a bath a with epsom salts and essential oils a couple of months ago and it was amazing. Put a face mask on while you’re soaking and give yourself a little 20 minute spa moment. I played a podcast while soaking so I wasn’t too bored just laying there.
Mani/Pedi: Getting my nails done has always been a favorite way to pamper myself. Since I’m trying to keep my budget under control I do my nails at home but I try to make it enjoyable with sweats, a glass of wine and TV. Painting my nails helps keep them from breaking but, more importantly, helps me feel put together. It’s always been one of my favorite ways to accessorize and feel pretty.
Self-tan: I’ll admit, sometimes self-tanning feels like a chore. Mostly, because my legs are 3′ 8″ and the shaving and exfoliating alone part can be tiring, lol. But the way I feel when my skin has that glow makes it worth it. Lately, I shave and exfoliate on Saturday and then apply self-tanner on Sunday so that I’m nice and bronzed for Monday.
We’re all different so these self-care ideas might not seem relaxing to you, or you may have something completely different that makes you feel calm. That’s ok! My point is that self-care isn’t always something big. It may be a vacation but it may also be ice cream and wine in your pajamas. The important thing is that when you feel stressed, worn out or just not yourself – you make the time for yourself.
What do you do when you need a little me time?
Here’s hoping you have a great week! Let me know if you try any of these self-care ideas.
